VTT is opening a new VTT FutureGrid research environment in Otaniemi, Espoo. The investment provides Finnish and international actors with a safe environment to develop and test next-generation power grid technologies before deployment in real-world electricity networks. Cost‑efficient renewable power generation and the accelerating electrification of society place new requirements on future power grids. At the same time, the management of overall security is becoming increasingly crucial.
Europe is undergoing a historic transformation. The energy transition, electrification and the green transition are driving rapid renewal and expansion of electricity infrastructure. As electricity replaces fossil fuels, Finland’s electricity consumption is projected to more than triple by 2040. It is important to assess Finland’s resilience in scenarios where the electricity grid is exposed to threats or where power generation is suddenly disconnected from the grid.
“The need to enhance the resilience, security, and reliability of electricity grids is greater than ever. In an era of global tensions, there is a clear need to strengthen Finland’s preparedness for exceptional situations. Rapid variability in renewable energy, energy storage solutions and new types of loads, driven by industrial electrification, electric mobility and the growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence, introduces new dynamics and places increasing demands on the grid. The energy transition requires an active, balanced and flexible electricity grid,” says Antti Arasto, Vice President, VTT.
To strengthen Finland’s position as an innovation environment for the energy sector, VTT is opening the FutureGrid research environment in Otaniemi. The new environment provides a shared platform for developers, policymakers and industry to address the challenges facing the energy system – while building a pathway towards a carbon-neutral future.
“Previously, the electricity grid was structurally simpler, meaning that deploying new solutions was more straightforward. Today, the system is far more complex, and its dynamics create challenging situations that cannot be safely tested directly in real-life environments. We need an environment where new solutions can be tested and validated without putting the actual electricity grid and its customers at risk. VTT FutureGrid has been built precisely for this purpose,” says Kari Mäki, Research Professor at VTT.
The green transition increases pressure on electricity grid balancing
Finland’s electricity system is internationally recognised as highly advanced, and the share of clean electricity generation has increased significantly. The greater the share of emission-free energy, the more critical it becomes to ensure that new solutions perform reliably during peak loads and disturbance situations.
At the same time, new actors and services are entering the electricity market, creating new requirements for interoperability and security testing. VTT FutureGrid provides a platform where companies can validate their products and services before deployment. The environment supports both early-stage startups and established energy companies, further strengthening Otaniemi’s role as an international hub for energy innovation.
“Distributed clean energy generation, energy storage solutions, electric mobility, and demand response capabilities introduce new dynamics into the energy system. At the same time, they require grid control and protection solutions to keep pace with the change. At VTT FutureGrid, we can ensure this in a safe and agile manner,” Mäki says.
VTT FutureGrid combines physical microgrid infrastructure with a real-time simulator through a digital twin, enabling the creation of extensive virtual test scenarios. The research environment enables the development and testing of software, hardware, and entire systems in controlled yet realistic conditions.
