Launched in spring 2024, the Industrial Leap in Suomussalmi project is taking the
region’s industrial development to the next level. Its mission is to boost the growth and
attractiveness of Suomussalmi’s key sectors – including bioeconomy, technology and
metal industries, and renewable energy.

The project has created a brand-new industrial ecosystem concept for Suomussalmi, built around eight synergistic industrial functions. These functions, working together, are designed to enhance efficiency, profitability, and sustainability for the region’s future industries.

The concept includes the production and processing of renewable energy – such as a solar power plant, a battery energy storage system, and the production and distribution of green hydrogen. On the bioproduct side, the focus is on processing wood into biochar and extracting chemicals from natural materials. The project has also explored opportunities for refining wild berries into jams and utilizing clean groundwater for bottled beverage production.

Sustainability is at the heart of the project. Renewable energy is integrated into the ecosystem’s structure, enabling local energy production to power various industrial processes. The concept also promotes the efficient use of raw materials and side streams, supporting a circular economy and low-carbon development.

In the next phase, the project will be actively promoted to potential investors and businesses seeking sustainable growth and new business opportunities. The industrial ecosystem and its investment potential will be showcased widely.

In the long term, the goal is to attract new business investments, strengthen industrial clusters, increase regional vitality, and create significant new employment. The project is a concrete part of advancing strategic investment promotion in both Suomussalmi and the wider Kainuu region.