Ukraine crisis speeding Finnish-Estonian LNG project | Yle Uutiset | yle.fi

The plan under consideration is for the construction of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals on either side of the Gulf of Finland, along with a pipeline to connect the two terminals.

Companies involved in the venture have agreed to finish an analysis of its economic feasibility by the end of this month.

Speaking in Helsinki at the opening of the EU election campaign for Green League candidates, Niinistö said that the growing discussion of energy self-sufficiency has shown the EU Commission the importance of the decision.

"This is a good thing for Finland," said the Environment Minister.

Niinistö continued that Finland should also invest more in renewable energy and domestic sources such as waste wood from forestry activities, heat pumps, wind and solar, smart power networks and energy efficiency.

"It is said that by 2030 no less than 50 percent of our energy production could be completely renewable energy. With bio-fuels and cleaner transport, for example the share of oil and gas could be significantly reduced, thus in practice dependence on Russia would end by then," stated Ville Niinistö.

"Products could be imported from Russia, as one alternative among others, but without dependence," he added.