Neste Corporation, Gasgrid Finland, Helen and Vantaa Energy have in collaboration started preliminary studies on the development of an industrial H₂ valley in the Uusimaa region, Finland. This joint effort is a step forward in driving Finland towards a leading H₂ economy in Europe that creates industrial investment opportunities and supports Finland’s and Europe’s carbon neutrality goals.

The industrial H₂ valley would combine infrastructure, storage and transmission of renewable H₂, serving both producers and consumers of H₂. In addition, sector integration opportunities are a key element in the studies. In connection with the renewable H₂ production, significant amounts of renewable heat are generated that can be utilized in district heating.

Collaboration between companies plays a key role in the H₂ economy development in Finland, as also highlighted in the national resolution of H₂ adopted by the Finnish Government in February 2023.

“Today Neste is the biggest H₂ consumer in Finland. We need renewable H₂ to reach our climate commitments, (e.g., reaching carbon neutral production by 2035). H₂ is an essential part of our processes and an efficiently functioning H₂ valley would be a great way to source H₂ in the future. Building up both the power infrastructure as well as H₂ storage and distribution infrastructure are key enablers for the H₂ economy development. By being open to collaboration and seeking partnerships we discover new paths and unlock a world of interesting possibilities,” said Outi Ervasti, Vice President, Renewable H₂ at Neste.

To the Finnish H₂ economy to be competitive in a global context, cost efficient solutions for H₂ transmission and storage are needed. The feasibility of different H₂ transmission and storage options will be evaluated as the first steps towards developing a well-functioning H₂ market. H₂ transmission infrastructure contributes to the emergence of a competitive H₂ market.

“Gasgrid Finland promotes the development of the national H₂ network, international infrastructure cooperation and the H₂ market in the Baltic Sea region. Our task is to support industrial investments and develop a H₂ pipeline that connects H₂ producers and consumers,” said Sara Kärki, SVP, H₂ Development of Gasgrid Finland.

“Helen has an ambition to become a major player in the H₂ economy and is planning large-scale H₂ production at Helen’s Vuosaari power plant area in Helsinki alongside with the 3H₂ demonstration project that is waiting for a funding decision from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Helen is also studying the possibility of carbon capture, utilization, and storage in the new Vuosaari bioenergy heating plant. H₂, bio-based carbon dioxide and large-scale wind and solar power production are the key building blocks for various carbon neutral solutions,” said Sari Mannonen, Senior Vice President, Solution Business and Portfolio Development of Helen.

“Vantaa Energy aims to become a carbon negative energy company by 2030 taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the circular economy. Renewable H₂ is a key enabler for new processes such as carbon capture and utilization that are needed to harness unavoidable emissions e.g., from our Waste to Energy -business operations to further use. In addition, H₂ production next to the district heating network enables waste heat utilization and contributes to the decarbonization of the Helsinki metropolitan area by reducing emissions of district heating,” stated Kalle Patomeri, Business Director of Vantaa Energy.