Technical Research Centre of Finland linked with peat lobbyists

The background of the person who compiled a controversial report on energy taxation at the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) has caused criticism among scientists and nature conservationists.
     
The purpose of the report was to outline a neutral energy tax model that would be based on emissions: the greater the emissions, the higher the tax.
      The government’s ”green” tax reform, which is to begin next year, applies to both transport fuel and fuel for heating. That is to say petrol, diesel, coal, biofuels, natural gas, oil, and so on.
     
Based on VTT’s calculations, Minister of Finance Jyrki Katainen (National Coalition Party) drew up his own energy tax reform proposal.
      Now the government’s energy taxation plans are suspected to increase climate emissions - instead of reducing them.
     
The person in charge of the report was VTT’s Technology Manager Satu Helynen.
      For the most part, emissions and taxes do run nicely in parallel, but there is an exception: peat.
      The tax put on peat in the VTT report is zero, even though peat is a fossil fuel, whose climate emissions are actually greater than those of oil and even coal.
     
Satu Helynen is a member of the Board of the International Peat Society (IPS).
      The IPS says that it is an international, non-governmental and non-profit organisation, representing scientific and industrial stakeholders of all areas related to peat.
      The IPS also reports that it is dedicated to fostering the advancement, exchange and communication of scientific, technical and social knowledge and understanding for the wise use of peatlands and peat.
      The IPS is registered in Finland and its office is located in Vapaudenkatu 12 in Jyväskylä - the same address as that of the Association of Finnish Peat Industries.
      Moreover, the duties of the IPS’s Secretary General have been taken care of by Jaakko Silpola, the Managing Director of the Association of Finnish Peat Industries.
     
Until last year, Helynen was also the chair of the Bioenergy Association of Finland (FINBIO), which has been cooperating with the Association of Finnish Peat Industries and Finland’s Peat Producers, in order to lobby for the use of peat for example among Members of Parliament.
      Helynen’s superior Kari Larjava said that he had been aware of Helynen’s Finbio background but not of her IPS Board membership.
      Nevertheless, he rejected the allegation that his subordinate would represent peat lobbyists.
     
Helynen took on a job as a special researcher at VTT in 1992. Last year she was named Technology Manager.

More on this subject:
 Pekkarinen rejects criticism of energy calculations

Previously in HS International Edition:
  Energy industry criticises shortcomings of energy tax proposal (8.9.2010)
  NEWS ANALYSIS: Ugly stain on “green tax reform” (17.8.2010)

Links:
  Peat Production in Finland (Wikipedia)
  Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT)
  International Peat Society (IPS)