- The project received EUR 8.25 million in investment aid from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
- Hydrogen production is set to start in 2026, with the filling station opening in 2027.
- The plant will reduce CO2 emissions by 3,700 tonnes annually.
- Helen plans large-scale hydrogen production in Vuosaari and studies an industrial hydrogen valley with Neste, Gasgrid Finland, and Vantaan Energia.
Project Overview
Helen is constructing a green hydrogen production plant in Vuosaari, Helsinki, marking the city's first such facility. The plant, part of the 3H2 – Helsinki Hydrogen Hub pilot project, will have a capacity of approximately three MW. The hydrogen produced will primarily serve heavy transport through a filling station at the plant, with the option to deliver hydrogen in containers. The plant's location near Helsinki’s district heating network and Vuosaari Harbour allows for the utilization of waste heat in the district heating system, achieving over 90% energy efficiency.
Environmental Impact and Funding
The project aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 3,700 tonnes annually by replacing fossil fuels in heavy traffic and using waste heat in the district heating network. It has received EUR 8.25 million in investment aid from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment for large-scale demonstration projects in new energy technology. Additionally, EUR 292,500 from Environmental Penny funds will be used for hydrogen storage and transport containers.
Production and Timeline
Hydrogen production at the plant will begin in 2026, with the filling station opening in 2027. The plant will produce hydrogen using renewable electricity, ensuring emission-free production. This makes green hydrogen a viable alternative for sectors where electrification is challenging, particularly heavy transport.
Future Plans
Helen plans to expand to large-scale hydrogen production in the Vuosaari power plant area following the pilot plant's construction. Preliminary studies are underway for developing an industrial hydrogen valley in Uusimaa, in collaboration with Neste Corporation, Gasgrid Finland Oy, and Vantaan Energia Oy. The company aims for carbon-neutral energy production by 2030 and plans to phase out combustion-based energy production by 2040.
