The speakers of the event are introduced here. More introductions to come!
Speakers of the Future Energy Solutions 2025
MODERATOR
Johannes Malkamäki
Johannes Malkamäki is a sought-after host, magician, and mentalist known for his modern, comedic style and seamless bilingual performances. With a master’s degree in medical biotechnology and over a decade of experience, Johannes has hosted and performed at more than 500 events, ranging from high-profile corporate galas to international conferences. His performances combine interactive magic, mentalism, and sharp humor – always tailored to the audience – ensuring each event is memorable and unique.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment
Sari Multala has served as Minister of Science and Culture of Petteri Orpo’s Government since June 2023.
Starting in January 2025 as a Minister of Climate and the Environment she is responsible for matters related to the environment, construction and housing. These include climate policy, nature and water protection, preventing environmental pollution, circular economy, construction and land use, and housing policy. Minister Multala is also responsible for matters covered by the Energy Department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
Having completed her matriculation examination in 1997 at Mäkelänrinne, a general upper secondary school specialised in sports, Multala continued her studies at Helsinki School of Economics where she majored in management science, graduating in 2005 with a Master of Science in Economics. She also holds a further vocational qualification in coaching from Kuortane Olympic Training Center.
A three-time world champion in sailing, Multala served as the head coach of the Finnish national sailing team in 2013–2015. She has held many positions of trust in the field of sport, both during her sporting career and afterwards.
Multala first entered Parliament in 2015. Since then, she has served in the Education and Culture Committee, the Agriculture and Forestry Committee, the Environment Committee, the Intelligence Oversight Committee and the Legal Affairs Committee. Multala has been a member of Vantaa City Council since 2013 and chaired Vantaa City Executive since 2017.
During her leisure time, Multala likes to go on sailing trips with her family. Multala also enjoys many kinds of physical and cultural activities, hiking and other outdoor pursuits.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Pasi Vainikka, Co-founder & member of board, Solar Foods
Pasi Vainikka is a Finnish entrepreneur, scientist, and innovator in renewable energy and sustainable food systems. He is the co-founder & member of board of Solar Foods, the company behind Solein – a revolutionary protein made from air, electricity, and microbes, offering a climate-friendly alternative to traditional agriculture.
Before founding Solar Foods in 2017, Vainikka led Finland’s largest renewable energy research program, Neo-Carbon Energy, and worked as a principal scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. He holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Åbo Akademi University and serves as an adjunct professor at LUT University.
Risto Kosonen, Full Professor, Aalto University
Full Professor Risto Kosonen (D.Sc.) is working on indoor climate, energy flexible buildings, and energy efficiency of buildings and communities. Over 35 years experience both in industry and university.
Vice President of REHVA, President of SCANVAC, President of FINVAC and Chair of Indoor Climate Association in Finland (FiSIAQ). Committee membership of e.g. REHVA organizations. Awards: Rydberg Gold Medal and REHVA Fellow.
Tommi Eronen, CEO, Polar Night Energy
Tommi Eronen is the CEO and Co-Founder of Polar Night Energy, established in 2018. The company is known for designing and building world-renowned thermal energy storage systems, called Sand Batteries, that store wind and solar energy.
An expert in heat transfer and storage modeling, Tommi earned his Master of Science degree in Power Plant Engineering from Tampere University of Technology in 2017.
With a strong passion for innovative engineering, Tommi is dedicated to developing practical solutions to tackle the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. Outside of work, he is a passionate cyclist dreaming of a round-the-world trip and enjoys ice swimming and free diving.
Samuli Honkapuro, Tenured Professor, LUT University
Samuli Honkapuro is a tenured professor in Energy Markets and Energy Systems in LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland. In addition, he is the head of the Laboratory of Electricity Markets and Power Systems in LUT.
He graduated as D.Sc. (tech.) from LUT in 2008, and since then, he has been carrying out scientific research and academic education. His key research interests are electricity market design and business models for integration of distributed energy resources, demand response, and energy communities.
Juho-Matti Uuksulainen, Project Director for Finland, Vireon
Juho-Matti Uuksulainen is the Project Director for Finland at hydrogen distribution company Vireon, where he is responsible for developing the company’s hydrogen refuelling station network in Finland. He has over 15 years of experience in the gas sector, particularly in biogas and alternative fuels. Previously, he served as Head of Projects and Operations for Southern Finland at Gasum. Uuksulainen has led the planning and permitting of Finland’s first high-capacity hydrogen refuelling station compliant with EU standards. He has extensive expertise in hydrogen infrastructure development and practical project execution.
Aapo Koivuniemi, CEO, ABO Energy
Aapo Koivuniemi is a renewable energy leader with 15 years of experience in the Finnish and european renewables sector, starting from modeling and design to development, lobbying and investments. He has been involved in some way or another in roughly one in ten of Finnish wind turbines. Aapo holds a MSc degree from LUT and EMBA from Aalto. Aapo believes that while the engineering element is very important in renewable or P2X-projects, the true success factor in green transition is understanding the social and psychological drivers affecting people and their decision making.
Jukka Himanen, CEO, Accountable Manager, LPP Airport
Jukka Himanen is a CEO and accountable manager of Finnish Lakeland Lappeenranta Airport.
30+ years of experience in Aviation – Air Traffic Controller, Instructor, Chief of ATC, private pilot, Finnish Airforce fighter control (major, reserve).
Msc (Econ.), many development projects.