GEN‑H to build 200–300 MW zero‑emission balancing plant in Kotka using Hycamite methane pyrolysis
- GEN‑H and Hycamite signed an MoU to develop a 200–300 MW balancing power plant in Kotka, Finland.
- The plant will use methane pyrolysis to produce hydrogen for power and solid carbon as a recycled industrial product, with no direct CO2 emissions.
- Site offers existing gas network connection capacity of 145–270 MW and former pulp mill infrastructure, enabling accelerated feasibility work and potential quick FID.
- A nearby 100 MWp solar project is planned; methane splitting requires far less energy than electrolysis and can supply low‑carbon hydrogen for long‑term grid balancing.
Project scope
GEN‑H and Hycamite have signed a letter of intent to develop a 200–300 MW balancing power plant in the Sunila industrial area of Kotka, Finland. The facility would integrate methane pyrolysis equipment with a gas‑fired power plant to produce electricity without direct CO2 emissions.
Technology and output
Methane splitting produces hydrogen and solid carbon rather than CO2; the hydrogen can be combusted for electricity with water vapour as the only combustion byproduct. The solid carbon is intended for delivery as industrial raw material, with development work targeting higher‑value products including battery‑grade graphite.
Site advantages and infrastructure
The former pulp mill site is still connected to Finland’s national natural gas network, with an on‑site connection point capable of 145–270 MW, and existing industrial infrastructure is being cleared to receive new investments. These factors are cited as enabling an accelerated feasibility assessment and a potentially rapid final investment decision for the flexible power plant.
Role in the energy system
The proposal positions hydrogen‑based, methane‑split power as a complement to short‑term battery storage, offering reliable reserve power during extended periods of low wind and solar output. Methane splitting is noted to require only a fraction of the energy of electrolytic hydrogen, supporting cost‑effective low‑carbon hydrogen supply for power and industry.
Source: Hycamite