Here we strive to meet the challenges presented by the energy markets using a dual approach. Apart from new forms of energy production, the region’s research and development facilities also focus on increasing the efficiency of the entire energy chain – from production to distribution and consumption.

Unprejudiced new thinking is encouraged and resources are reserved for innovative work, since only by staying one step ahead of everyone else can we achieve worldwide success. Among the top three Finnish businesses investing in R&D, two operate within EnergyVaasa. Wärtsilä invests over 140 million Euros in R&D annually, which is surpassed in Finland only by Nokia. In third place is ABB, with an annual R&D investment of approx. 130 million Euros. The Technobothnia Research Centre  is the common research and educational laboratory for the University of Vaasa, VAMK, the University of Applied Sciences, and Novia University of Applied Sciences. Apart from the educational establishment work, Technobothnia also offers businesses and corporations training courses, research, product development, and measurement and testing services.

The universities also run the common VEI research institute (Vaasa Energy Institute), where the focus is on researching equipment and processes serving the entire energy chain. For example, at VEI the shelf life of biodiesel is studied, purer diesel and gas engine technology is developed, and simulator models for wind power plants are produced. VaasaEMG  researches and consults on energy issues from many angles, and is particularly specialized in the study of marketing in the energy markets. VaasaEMG also charts price developments in the energy markets, as well as their functionality during change situations.