LUT University Receives Top Recognition for Advancing Finland’s Energy Transition Through Research and Innovation

LUT University Receives Top Recognition for Advancing Finland’s Energy Transition Through Research and Innovation

(IN BRIEF) LUT University and Research Director Petteri Laaksonen have been named Energy Transition Leader of the Year 2025 at the Wind Oulu seminar, receiving both the jury’s main award and the public Audience Award in recognition of their long-term and impactful contributions to Finland’s energy transition. The jury highlighted LUT’s interdisciplinary approach combining engineering, economics, and social sciences, as well as its role as a leading producer of renewable energy knowledge through strong basic research, applied innovation, and clear science communication. Laaksonen, who works on topics such as Power-to-X and the hydrogen economy and also serves on startup boards, welcomed the award as validation of LUT’s internationally high-level research that supports both sustainable energy development and economic growth in Finland. The award, formerly known as Wind Power Act of the Year, is decided by a jury including Matti Vanhanen, Antti Herlin, and Julia Sangervo.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 5-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — LUT University and its Research Director Petteri Laaksonen have been named the recipients of the Energy Transition Leader of the Year 2025 award, which was presented today at the Wind Oulu seminar. The recognition reflects their sustained and influential contribution to advancing Finland’s energy transition through research, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines. In addition to winning the jury’s decision, LUT University and Laaksonen also received the Audience Award, securing broad support from both experts and the public.

The jury highlighted LUT University’s distinctive approach to energy research, which integrates engineering, economics, and social sciences to address the complex challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. Through this interdisciplinary model, the university has established itself as a leading institution in the development and promotion of clean energy solutions that benefit both industry and society at large.

Petteri Laaksonen brings extensive experience from his previous career in industry to his work at LUT, where he focuses on key areas such as the energy transition, Power-to-X technologies, and the emerging hydrogen economy. Alongside his academic role, he contributes to the broader innovation ecosystem through board positions in several technology startups, strengthening the link between research and practical application.

In their decision, the jury emphasised the long-term nature and tangible impact of LUT University’s work. They pointed out that the institution plays a central role in generating reliable knowledge on renewable energy, combining rigorous fundamental research with applied projects and clear, accessible science communication that supports informed decision-making across society.

The jury further underlined the growing importance of science-based approaches in energy policy and technological development, particularly at a time when the role of research is sometimes questioned. They stated that academic research provides legitimacy, expertise, and innovation that shape the future and enable the creation of a sustainable energy system in Finland.

Petteri Laaksonen expressed his gratitude for the recognition, noting that LUT conducts internationally competitive research to support the deployment of clean energy solutions. He stressed that this work not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also strengthens Finland’s economic development by fostering innovation and industrial transformation.

The Energy Transition Leader of the Year award, formerly known as Wind Power Act of the Year, is granted annually to an initiative, organisation, or individual that has significantly supported or accelerated the growth of renewable energy in Finland. This year’s jury included State Counsellor Matti Vanhanen, Antti Herlin, Chairman of the Board of KONE Oyj, and psychologist, researcher, and politician Julia Sangervo.

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SOURCE: Renewables Finland