The annual Bio-CO2 Use and Removal conference will take place on 5 May 2026 in Helsinki, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore the latest developments in the utilisation of biogenic CO₂ and permanent carbon removals. The event will highlight lessons learned from the first European projects now moving from concept to implementation and provide valuable insights into energy and climate policies shaping the future of the sector.

The day will open with high-level perspectives on the evolving European and national policy frameworks for Bio-CCUS and permanent carbon removals. Fabien Ramos from the European Commission will outline what to expect from upcoming EU legislative proposals planned for 2026, while Tuula Savola from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will present the design and objectives of Finland’s first carbon capture auction, which closes at the end of March. The morning programme will also feature expert discussions and practical insights from the implementation of early projects. Kenneth Juul from Carbon Centric will share lessons from deploying carbon capture at smaller industrial plants, demonstrating how projects of different sizes can contribute to scaling the sector. A panel discussion with leading Finnish actors will explore key learnings and necessities for advancing carbon capture in Finland, with Minna Mentzer from Metsä Group, Juha Ripatti from Westenergy, Hanna Pitkänen from Vantaa Energy and Håkan Jonsson from Auris Energia. A second panel featuring European policy experts such as Franklin Streichenberger from CO2 Value Europe and Pawel Gladysz from CCUS Poland will discuss the actions needed to accelerate the deployment of these solutions at scale across Europe.

The parallel sessions in the afternoon will cover CCU solutions from both producer and user perspectives, CO₂ infrastructure and geological storage, biochar’s various applications and market outlook, as well as the latest developments in carbon capture technologies and research. The event concludes with cocktails and networking, offering excellent opportunities to connect with peers and experts.

As part of Bio-CO2 Use and Removal 2026, participants are invited to join an exclusive site visit to Vantaa Energy’s Waste-to-Energy Plant on Monday, 4 May (afternoon). The visit will showcase Vantaa Carbon Capture, Finland’s first industrial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.

The event is organized by the Bioenergy Association of Finland (Bioenergia ry) in collaboration with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Finnish Energy. The event is sponsored by Vantaan Energia and Auris Energia.

Registration is now open on the event website.

For more information:
Saara Hornig, Communications Specialist, The Bioenergy Association of Finland, Tel: +358 44 489 0417, saara.hornig(a)bioenergia.fi