Finland's first green hydrogen plant begins operations, with more to follow

Finland's first green hydrogen plant, and one of the first in Europe, has begun commercial operations. The 20 MW project in the city of Harjavalta is being developed by P2X Solutions, which has also announced plans to build similar plants at several other locations in Finland. 

The start of commercial operations at the green hydrogen plant in Harjavalta, Finland, marks a significant milestone in the development of the country's hydrogen economy. A methanation unit will also be brought online at the site in the future, enabling the production of synthetic methane.

Further similar plants are planned. P2X Solutions cited as examples a 40 MW green hydrogen plant in the city of Joensuu and a plant of up to 100 MW in Oulu.

Electricity for green hydrogen production is secured through a 5-year PPA with Fortum. The agreement will enable P2X Solutions to produce green hydrogen in compliance with the requirements set out in European legislation.

"The electricity will be supplied from Fortum's renewable energy portfolio in Finland, and the agreement also provides for the transfer of guarantees of origin. The contract runs until 2029," the company said.

The year 2029 is a significant milestone for EU green hydrogen production requirements, as until then it is sufficient to demonstrate renewable electricity generation against green hydrogen production on a monthly basis. After 2029, this will have to be demonstrated on an hourly basis.

"Supporting our clients on their path to decarbonisation is a strategic priority for Fortum. The agreement with P2X Solutions shows that working together can help us overcome a number of obstacles. Coordinating the physical delivery of renewable energy from specific plants to designated consumption points requires many systems to work in sync," said Urs Pennanen of Fortum.