Finland is taking a major step towards sustainable transportation, as Vireon prepares to construct the country’s first large-scale green hydrogen refueling station in Jyväskylä. This groundbreaking project, a collaboration between the Central Finland Mobility Foundation (CEFMOF) and the City of Jyväskylä, will make the city home to the nation’s first hydrogen refueling infrastructure, with more stations planned across Finland.
The choice of Jyväskylä is strategic due to its central location, making it an ideal hub for Finland’s emerging hydrogen infrastructure. “Jyväskylä’s central position, combined with strong collaboration with CEFMOF and the city, makes it the perfect starting point for our hydrogen infrastructure,” said Per Øyvind Voie, Managing Director of Vireon. “This project not only enhances Jyväskylä’s role in the transition to renewable energy but also paves the way for hydrogen-powered transport across Finland.”
The station, designed to serve heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses, will also accommodate lighter vehicles such as taxis and vans. The facility aims to promote green hydrogen as a clean energy source for a wide range of transportation needs.
Green Hydrogen Buses to Pioneer Finland’s Public Transport
Alongside the launch of the hydrogen station, Jyväskylä will introduce Finland’s first green hydrogen-powered buses by 2025. Five Caetano H2 City Gold buses are set to join the city’s public transport fleet as part of a pilot program, testing the performance of green hydrogen vehicles in northern climates and contributing to sustainable urban transport.
Jyväskylä’s Commitment to Carbon Neutrality and Hydrogen Ecosystem
The City of Jyväskylä has a clear goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Mayor Timo Koivisto highlighted the city’s dedication to sustainable development: “We are taking concrete steps toward our carbon neutrality goal. The establishment of CEFMOF in partnership with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team and the Toyota Mobility Foundation is a key milestone. The launch of our green hydrogen refueling station and the hydrogen bus pilot is an excellent starting point for building a hydrogen-based ecosystem in Jyväskylä.”
Testing and Implementation of Green Hydrogen Buses
The pilot project will integrate five hydrogen-fueled buses into Jyväskylä’s public transport system, with production beginning in January 2025 and the vehicles expected to be in test use by July 2025. Haruka Arai, Executive Director of CEFMOF, expressed the project’s broader mission: “Through green hydrogen initiatives, we aim to promote carbon neutrality and raise public awareness. This project will improve urban transport, address environmental challenges, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier urban environment and a robust local economy.”
The hydrogen refueling station and bus pilot project signal the beginning of Finland’s journey toward a more sustainable transport infrastructure, setting the stage for wider adoption of green hydrogen technologies nationwide.
