GEN-H plans 200–300 MW emission-free balancing plant in Kotka using Hycamite methane pyrolysis
- GEN-H and Hycamite signed an MoU to develop a 200–300 MW balancing power plant at the Sunila industrial area in Kotka.
- The project will integrate methane pyrolysis units that produce hydrogen and solid carbon with no direct CO2 emissions for electricity generation.
- Solid carbon coproduct is targeted as an industrial raw material, including development of battery-grade graphite applications.
- Sunila site has an existing gas network connection (145–270 MW) and nearby plans include a solar plant of up to 100 MWp.
Project
GEN-H and Hycamite have signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate Hycamite methane pyrolysis units into a 200–300 MW gas-fired balancing power plant at the Sunila industrial area in Kotka. The plant is part of a broader Sunila development that includes renewable generation, hydrogen systems, pilot and research activities, and a company cluster; a nearby solar project up to 100 MWp is also planned.
Technology
Hycamite's methane splitting process yields hydrogen and solid carbon without direct greenhouse gas emissions. The hydrogen can be used immediately for electricity generation, with water vapour as the only combustion byproduct. Compared with electrolytic hydrogen, the process requires a fraction of the energy input, allowing lower-cost hydrogen production independent of renewable electricity availability. Hycamite is developing high-quality carbon products, including battery-grade graphite.
Site and infrastructure
The former pulp mill site retains an on-site connection to the Finnish natural gas network with a capacity of 145–270 MW, providing access to the supra-regional transmission network, import terminals and storage. Existing plant structures are being dismantled to prepare the site for modernization and future investments.
Status and rationale
Planning and approval procedures are underway and feasibility testing may be accelerated by the existing gas connection, potentially enabling a rapid final investment decision. The project positions hydrogen-supported electricity generation as a long-duration balancing solution to complement battery storage, enhance grid stability and support industrial decarbonization.
Source: Hycamite