As part of her PhD project within the THERESA MSCA Doctoral Network, Paola Jimenez recently completed a three-month research stay in Finland, combining academic collaboration, industry engagement, and participation in international hydrogen-related events.
Academic Collaboration in Helsinki
During the first month, Paola was hosted at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), working from their Helsinki office. This phase offered the opportunity to collaborate closely with fellow PhD researcher Sébastien Noël, with whom she exchanged perspectives on ongoing research concerning hydrogen system development and governance.
Industry Secondment at Gasgrid Finland
For the following two months, Paola joined Gasgrid Finland as a visiting researcher. This industry placement provided first-hand insights into hydrogen system planning from the perspective of a future Hydrogen Transmission Network Operator (HTNO), as well as practical understanding of the challenges involved in developing a coordinated European hydrogen network.
Paola received continuous guidance and support during her placement, particularly regarding engagement with ENTSOG and the Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) processes. She also expresses her appreciation to the Public Affairs team in particular, as well as to the entire Hydrogen Team at Gasgrid Finland, for their welcome and the valuable insights shared throughout her stay.
Engagement with the Hydrogen Community
Paola also spent a week at the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, invited by Sirja-Leena Penttinen – also part of the THERESA DN – and the LOST – Law, Technology and Sustainability Transitions Research Group. During this visit, she presented a draft paper on sustainable hydrogen network planning as part of their research seminar series. The presentation was well received and generated constructive feedback that will inform the next stages of her research.
This three-month stay represents an important step in Paola’s doctoral work within THERESA, providing both technical insights and interdisciplinary perspectives on hydrogen infrastructure planning.