Helsinki: Finland’s expertise in waste-to-energy and Malaysia’s existing carbon storage capacity present opportunities for knowledge exchange in carbon capture and storage (CCS), helping both countries move towards carbon neutrality. Vantaan Energia senior vice president for communications and public affairs, Juha Luomala, highlighted this potential collaboration during a media programme titled ‘Climate Solutions from Finland.’

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Luomala mentioned that Vantaan Energia has a project underway to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from its waste-to-energy plants by 2035, showcasing Finland’s advanced technological approach to carbon reduction. He emphasized, “Finland’s model is strong in waste-to-energy and public acceptance, while Malaysia’s strength lies in its geopolitical storage potential for CO2. We can learn from each other by looking at one another’s projects. There are probably similarities and similar challenges, and it would be good to discuss them.”

Vantaan Energia, one of Finland’s largest urban energy companies, operates several facilities, including a waste-to-energy plant, an expansion of this plant, and a high-temperature incineration plant. Luomala stressed that the successful implementation of CCS requires adequate incentives and support mechanisms at both the national and European Union levels, as well as long-term regulation and infrastructure development for CO2 transport.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has been actively developing offshore CCS projects such as Kasawari and Lang Lebah, which involve capturing CO2 from natural gas production and storing it in depleted reservoirs. The country is committed to advancing its CCS initiatives as part of the National Energy Transition Roadmap, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.