GEN‑H and Hycamite to deploy 200–300 MW zero‑emission balancing plant in Kotka
- GEN‑H proposes a 200–300 MW balancing power plant in Sunila, Kotka that will integrate Hycamite’s methane pyrolysis equipment.
- Hycamite’s process splits methane into hydrogen for immediate combustion and solid carbon instead of producing CO2.
- The Sunila site retains a gas grid connection point with capacity 145/270 MW and a nearby solar project of up to 100 MWp is planned at Hietanen port.
- Solid carbon coproducts can supply industrial markets and are being developed toward battery‑grade graphite for EV applications.
Project scope
GEN‑H plans a 200–300 MW balancing power plant at the Sunila industrial area in Kotka, integrating Hycamite’s methane pyrolysis equipment to generate hydrogen for power with solid carbon as the coproduct. Planning and permitting activities for Sunila’s redevelopment are underway and legacy pulp‑mill equipment is being dismantled to prepare the site.
Technology and products
Hycamite’s methane separation process produces hydrogen and solid carbon without direct CO2 emissions by recovering carbon in solid form rather than combusting it. The hydrogen is intended for immediate use in gas turbines, with water vapour as the only combustion byproduct. Hycamite is developing higher‑value carbon products, including battery‑grade graphite.
Site advantages and timing
Sunila offers existing energy infrastructure, including an on‑site gas grid connection point rated 145/270 MW that links to import terminals and storage, which could accelerate feasibility and a rapid final investment decision. An up to 100 MWp solar plant is also planned nearby at Hietanen port.
Market role
The project targets long‑duration balancing needs where batteries are limited, positioning hydrogen‑based generation as a flexible, rapid‑response backup during extended low wind/solar periods; methane splitting is presented as more energy‑efficient than electrolysis for producing low‑carbon hydrogen.
Source: Hycamite