In a significant stride towards bolstering the green hydrogen economy, Finland has celebrated the installation of its first industrial-scale electrolysis plant in Harjavalta. This milestone achievement comes one year after the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, with the production of green hydrogen anticipated to commence in the latter half of the year, following a purchase agreement already in place.
The Harjavalta electrolysis plant, developed by Sunfire in collaboration with project developer P2X Solutions, stands as a beacon for hydrogen innovation in Europe. The facility is equipped with Sunfire’s cutting-edge 20 MW pressurized alkaline electrolyzer, marking a pivotal moment for Finland in the expansion of its green hydrogen market.
Herkko Plit, CEO of P2X Solutions, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “This project marks critical progress towards launching Finland’s green hydrogen economy. Completing the electrolyzer’s installation is a vital step in realizing our comprehensive vision for the project.”
Destined for use in various chemical industry applications, the green hydrogen produced at the plant will also serve as a key ingredient for renewable synthetic methane production through methanization, a process that combines carbon dioxide with green hydrogen. This initiative underscores Sunfire’s expertise in engineering pressurized alkaline plants tailored for such innovative applications.
In a notable development last November, P2X Solutions signed an offtake agreement with Danisco Sweeteners, a subsidiary of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., to supply green hydrogen for reducing CO2 emissions in xylitol production at its Kotka plant, catering to the food industry’s needs.
With the installation phase now concluded, Sunfire is gearing up for the imminent commissioning of the Harjavalta plant. The facility is expected to generate up to 400 kg of green hydrogen per hour at full capacity, utilizing renewable wind energy, marking a significant leap forward in Finland’s green hydrogen production capabilities.
Sunfire CEO Nils Aldag expressed enthusiasm about the project’s role in transforming the chemical sector through green hydrogen. “It’s an honor to contribute our ‘Made in Europe’ electrolysis technology to this trailblazing project with P2X Solutions. Projects like this, especially in Europe, are crucial for advancing our sustainable energy goals,” Aldag remarked.
The Finnish government, through the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Finnish Climate Fund, has shown robust support for the project, contributing a total of EUR 36 million towards its realization. With P2X Solutions’ total investment pegged at approximately EUR 70 million, this pioneering initiative promises to significantly advance Finland’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and green hydrogen production.
