Sweco to Construct Helsinki's First Green Hydrogen Production Plant

Helen, a Finnish energy company has, appointed Sweco as the EPCM partner for its inaugural green hydrogen production plant, slated to commence operations in 2026. This facility aims to supply hydrogen primarily to the heavy-duty transport sector. By capturing waste heat from hydrogen production and integrating it with Helen's district heating network, the plant will achieve a remarkable energy efficiency of over 90%.

Helen, one of Finland's largest energy operators, has a longstanding collaboration with Sweco, which has previously served as the EPCM partner for several heating and cooling plant projects. The upcoming 3H2 Helsinki Hydrogen Hub marks Helen’s first foray into hydrogen investments, featuring a pilot plant with a capacity of approximately three megawatts.

Thomas Hietto, Business Area President of Sweco Finland, emphasized the value of their extensive experience as an advisor and EPCM partner to Helen. He noted that their established joint operating methods ensure smooth project delivery. Hietto highlighted that this successful cooperation is now expanding to leverage Sweco’s significant hydrogen expertise, acquired from numerous projects in Finland and Europe. He expressed enthusiasm about continuing their partnership to support Helen's carbon neutrality targets, contributing to the broader green transition. Hietto's comments underscore Sweco's commitment to innovative solutions and sustainable practices in collaboration with Helen.

Sweco has been appointed to lead the project's regional infrastructure planning. Their scope of work encompasses a comprehensive suite of services, including architectural design, structural engineering, and plant layout. Additionally, Sweco will manage the entire project execution, including procurement and on-site operations, ensuring seamless project delivery. The responsibility for designing, supplying, and installing the electrolyser and related equipment lies with a different partner, allowing Sweco to focus on integrating various project components efficiently while maintaining high quality standards as well as safety in the project’s life.

Sari Mannonen, SVP of New Business and Hydrogen at Helen, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the 3H2 project, which uniquely integrates electricity, transport, heating, and hydrogen, emphasizing the flexibility between these sectors. Mannonen stated that hydrogen is a crucial component of Helen's new strategy, demonstrating their commitment to investing in the hydrogen business. She expressed enthusiasm about continuing the successful collaboration with Sweco, particularly in constructing Helsinki's first green hydrogen production plant, underscoring their joint efforts towards innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

In supporting the energy transition, Sweco leverages its expertise in critical areas such as renewable energy production, the expansion of the electricity transmission and distribution grid, efficient energy consumption, and technological advancements. This includes specialized knowledge in hydrogen energy storage, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and carbon capture and utilization (CCU), ensuring comprehensive support for clients navigating the evolving energy landscape.