NEPower’s Lead Engineer, Sami Tiihonen, joined the company at the beginning of 2025, but his career in the electrical industry goes back to the 1990s. He first became involved in substation projects in 2004, and since then they have been the main focus of his work. “I have extensive experience in the electrical field – starting with electrical installations in buildings and later moving on to substations, which I have been designing for more than 20 years,” Sami explains.
Sami came to NEPower through his network. Several former colleagues had already joined the company, and collaboration with NEPower had become familiar through earlier subcontracting projects. “The company was already known to me, and I knew there was a great team here. That made the decision to join easy.”
In his current role as Lead Engineer, Sami’s days are filled with electrical design, commissioning, documentation, and customer collaboration. “I am in regular contact with customers. Inevitably, questions arise during design projects, and they are solved through close cooperation.” Working on substation projects, his motivation comes from technology and continuous development. “Everything is advancing rapidly. It’s rewarding to be part of creating and implementing solutions that support the entire energy network. The growing demand for electricity brings new challenges, but also new opportunities.”
A challenging but rewarding project
One of the most memorable projects for Sami was the Hervanta substation in Tampere. “It was a large 110 kV switchyard, and the work had to be carried out in phases because the station could not be fully shut down. Its strategic location and demanding conditions made it unique.”
Within NEPower, Sami values teamwork and a strong sense of community. “There’s a great atmosphere here, and people are always ready to help one another. This shows in the projects too: we use solid foundations and proven models, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Collaboration runs smoothly, and customers know what to expect from us.”
Outside of work, Sami enjoys outdoor activities. In summer, he cycles and spends time at his summer cottage; in winter, he skis. Cycling to work provides daily exercise, and he has also taken up padel, which he plays weekly. “Cycling and skiing trips in nature are a big part of my free time. With good snacks, the right clothing for the weather, and the open outdoors, it’s the perfect way to unwind from everyday life.”
Looking ahead, Sami emphasizes the need to stay current in the field. “A lot can happen in a year. It’s important to follow developments and be ready to learn new things. That’s the only way to keep up in such a rapidly changing environment.”
Published 16.9.2025