VHOPIS

Considering Water Resources in Clean Investments

The VHOPIS project aims to improve water resource management as part of green transition investments, such as hydrogen production, battery industry, and bioenergy. The project will be implemented during 2025–2026, coordinated by Centria University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Vaasa and Turku Universities of Applied Sciences. Activities will focus on the regions of Central Ostrobothnia, Ostrobothnia, and Southwest Finland.

The main goal is to promote sustainable development in terms of clean water and ensure that the impacts of clean investments on water resources are considered already in the planning phase. To support this, the project will produce the first interregional water roadmap, serving both regional and national guidance purposes.

VHOPIS responds to the need for more coherent and integrated water resource management, which has previously been fragmented and sector-specific. This fragmentation has caused delays in investment projects and increased environmental risks. The project aims to streamline permitting processes, improve local acceptance, and strengthen the consideration of ecosystem services provided by natural waters.

Target groups include actors from industry, public administration, and society, such as financiers, urban planners, water utilities, environmental organizations, port operators, and data centers. The project also supports universities, research institutes, and education providers in developing expertise related to water economy and climate resilience.

The project consists of five work packages addressing the role of water in investments, management of natural and industrial waters, industrial symbioses, as well as project communication and administration. Outputs include a water roadmap, reports on legislation and permitting processes, and a practical guide for water management in industrial areas.

VHOPIS has long-term impacts: it supports investment planning, strengthens Finland’s attractiveness as an investment destination, and promotes climate resilience. All results will be published openly and utilized in future research, development, and education initiatives.

The total budget of the project is 151 138 € of which 80% is funded by the EU and the Finnish government, 10% by municipalities, and 10% by other public funding. Results will be published in the Theseus database and on the implementers’ websites.