Lappeenranta has progressed toward the green transition in a way that differs from many other European cities. The change did not begin out of necessity or crisis, but from the city’s own insight: the direction of development was visible years ago, and Lappeenranta had both the resources and the courage to act among the first.
In the “How Can We Help? Business Lappeenranta” podcast, Environmental Director Ilkka Räsänen describes the moment when the city’s direction began to sharpen. According to him, more than a decade ago it was recognized that Lappeenranta had a unique combination of expertise in energy, technology, and research. At the same time, different city actors understood that these strengths should be actively leveraged—not wait for someone else to tell them what to do. This led to determined decisions in the energy system, mobility, and industrial development.
This proactive and consistent work was later recognized internationally when Lappeenranta received the European Green Leaf Award and was selected as one of the EU NetZero Cities Mission cities. Räsänen emphasizes that the true value of these awards is not their visibility but the fact that they are based on proven action: the city’s energy production has been gradually shifted toward low carbon, investments have been made in waste heat utilization, and collaboration has expanded across organizational boundaries.
The awards also have concrete effects. They open doors to international networks, research funding, and partnerships. According to Räsänen, this is already visible in the city: Lappeenranta is recognized as a partner that is able not only to plan but also to deliver.
Collaboration sets Lappeenranta apart
One of Lappeenranta’s key strengths is its ability to build cooperation. The city’s Development Manager and head of the Greenreality Network, Noora Hakkarainen, describes the situation as unique: companies, researchers and the city do not work in isolation but are in constant interaction.
Over the years, this shared table has produced solutions ranging from energy efficiency and electrification to biomaterials, hydrogen technologies, and data center waste heat utilization. At the same time, it has created the confidence to tell the world what Lappeenranta is capable of. According to Hakkarainen, the region can no longer afford modesty—the results are internationally competitive, and communication must follow suit.
This is reflected in a phrase highlighted in the podcast, symbolizing a new kind of confidence: “Flex your muscles.” It is not about arrogance but about being proud of Lappeenranta’s achievements and showing how far the city has come. Hakkarainen notes that interest in the city’s actions is growing steadily, with inquiries coming from Finland and abroad.
A city ready for investment
Development Specialist Heidi Käyhkö emphasizes that Lappeenranta’s investment readiness is no coincidence. It is the result of long-term work to ensure that the resources required by industry are already in place, or at least that a clear development path exists before investors make decisions. This includes zoning, electricity capacity, infrastructure, and permit and collaboration processes.
Käyhkö notes that several significant investments are currently underway in the region, illustrating how the green industrial transformation is taking shape. Danfoss Editron builds solutions for electric mobility and Solar Foods introduces low-carbon protein production. Solutions related to the hydrogen economy are also progressing steadily.
Lappeenranta’s role is not only to enable these investments but also to act as a bridge-builder. According to Käyhkö, the city plays a crucial role in facilitating encounters, connecting the right stakeholders, and removing administrative barriers. This creates an environment where projects do not stall—they move forward.
Attractiveness is built through action, not promises
The podcast discussion paints a picture of a city that has not adopted the green transition as a slogan but as a practical operating model. In Lappeenranta, it is customary for all key actors to sit at the same table and move things forward together.
Räsänen summarizes what matters from an investor’s perspective: when electricity, infrastructure, and development work are already available, investments become considerably easier.
Hakkarainen adds that Lappeenranta’s work is increasingly visible internationally—and interest is growing. Therefore, the city must be willing to speak openly about its achievements and stop downplaying them. “If we are the best, then we are,” she says.
Lappeenranta sets an example for the industry of the future
At the end of the podcast, the experts return to one shared idea: Lappeenranta is not content to follow the green transition. The city wants to lead it. This requires persistence, long-term commitment, and continued close collaboration.
And above all, it means this: in Lappeenranta, the people behind the region’s development know exactly what they are doing—and they are confident enough to say it out loud.
Take a look at the podcast (in Finnish):