Green hydrogen: growth opportunity and key to a carbon neutral future

Green hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources through electrolysis. It offers significant business opportunities due to its efficient energy storage capabilities and low impact on the environment. Improved methods and increased access to clean energy have made green hydrogen an even more lucrative option for innovation and growth. Our experts at Sweco design and execute all kinds of green hydrogen projects, transforming the energy sector alongside our clients. 

Green hydrogen projects with all-encompassing expertise

At Sweco, we are pioneers in green hydrogen. Our experts have wide-ranging experience from countless green hydrogen projects, ranging from early-stage planning to designing production plants, storage and transport — both in Finland and abroad. Our in-depth expertise in Power-to-X technologies, electrolysis and carbon capture enable us to create innovative green hydrogen projects. 

Our team also employs various experts in legislation and politics, who constantly follow the changes and developments within our industry. They make sure that our clients receive the best possible consultation within this constantly developing field.  

Green hydrogen is already playing a pivotal role in international treaties, such as the Paris Agreement (2015) and the European Green Deal (2019). In February 2023, the Finnish Government approved a plan in which Finland aims to produce at least 10% of all green hydrogen within the EU by 2030. These treaties and policies highlight the importance of green hydrogen within low-carbon and renewable energy sources, the realization of transitioning into a green economy and the endeavors to curb climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. 

Green hydrogen projects with all-encompassing expertise 

At Sweco, we are pioneers in green hydrogen. Our experts have wide-ranging experience from countless green hydrogen projects, ranging from early-stage planning to designing production plants, storage and transport — both in Finland and abroad. Our in-depth expertise in Power-to-X technologies, electrolysis and carbon capture enable us to create innovative green hydrogen projects. 

Our team also employs various experts in legislation and politics, who constantly follow the changes and developments within our industry. They make sure that our clients receive the best possible consultation within this constantly developing field.  

Green hydrogen is already playing a pivotal role in international treaties, such as the Paris Agreement (2015) and the European Green Deal (2019). In February 2023, the Finnish Government approved a plan in which Finland aims to produce at least 10% of all green hydrogen within the EU by 2030. These treaties and policies highlight the importance of green hydrogen within low-carbon and renewable energy sources, the realization of transitioning into a green economy and the endeavors to curb climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. 

Green hydrogen production plant harnesses waste energy with heat pumps

Sweco is designing a P2X Solutions green hydrogen production plant in the Harjavalta Industrial Park. The facility, scheduled to be completed in 2024, will become the first industrial-scale green hydrogen production plant in Finland. This 20-megawatt Power-to-X facility will turn renewable energy into hydrogen fuel with wind power.  

The waste heat produced within green hydrogen production plants offers significant utilization potential, especially since the facilities are located near cities and can be easily connected to district heating networks. So, the produced heat that can’t be utilized in the plant’s own production processes can be used to heat homes. Sweco has extensive experience in the utilization of waste heat in heating networks. 

Power-to-X: answer to green energy transition

The global shift away from fossil fuels to combat climate change is driven by innovative technologies like power-to-X (P2X). It stores excess renewable energy and converts it into another form and back to electricity as needed. This flexibility is vital as renewable energy sources like wind and solar power can’t be adjusted for demand.

Power-to-X is essential for countries like Finland that aim for carbon neutrality by 2035 and the EU by 2050. In fact, Finland is taking a leading role in developing power-to-X at an industrial scale. Finland’s unique conditions, including abundant wind resources and access to raw materials, make it a frontrunner in technological development.

Collaboration between research institutions and industrial players is set to accelerate the cost-efficiency of P2X. Sweco is actively exploring its potential in various projects.

Green hydrogen technology reducing industrial CO₂ emissions

Green hydrogen is the key to reducing industrial carbon dioxide emissions. Its production is based on the utilization of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, during the water electrolysis process. Unlike fossil fuels, this method doesn’t cause carbon dioxide emissions. 

 Green hydrogen can also be used in many different industrial processes that require energy or chemicals. For example, it can replace coal for iron ore reduction in the steel industry, which is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions. We work together with you in all green hydrogen projects, contributing towards the green transition and a more sustainable future. 

Hydrogen technology aims towards carbon neutral transportation

Green hydrogen combined with carbon capture and use of renewable energy sources is a great way to reduce not only industrial but also transportation-related emissions. The P2X and hydrogen production process is a form of carbon sequestration when green hydrogen is turned into methane (CH4) or methanol (CH3OH). Carbon reclaimed from industrial sources functions as a raw material for fuels or chemicals produced from hydrogen. In doing this, the carbon used in further processing gets taken away from the energy normally released into the atmosphere.  

Hydrogen can be utilized in road traffic to power fuel cell cars, otherwise known as “hydrogen cars,” that produce electricity from their fuel cells, with water as their only emission. Carbon neutral traffic can be advanced with synthetic fuels by combining hydrogen production and carbon capture.  

Hydrogen can function as an energy source in maritime traffic, either directly or when converted into methane, methanol, or ammonia. Methane and methanol can be used in vessels’ internal combustion engines or fuel cells, reducing the carbon emissions produced by maritime traffic. Green hydrogen utilized in air traffic also signals a new way of approaching the traditional use of jet fuels. Hydrogen can be directly used to power aircraft, or it can be converted into synthetic jet fuel.  

Finland is a pioneer in green hydrogen economy

 It is estimated that the amount of hydrogen used in Finland, which currently stands at approximately 140 kt per year, will be doubled within the next 10–15 years. Hydrogen is planned to be used especially in regions where direct electrification isn’t feasible. 

The hydrogen industry is a great opportunity for Finland – thanks to our country’s low carbon electricity production capacity and powerful electrical grid. Additionally, Finland has great potential for expanding wind power, which in turn means a substantial increase in production capacity for hydrogen and electro fuels for both domestic use and foreign export. 

Sweco is actively participating in Finland’s hydrogen production cluster, whose mission is to accelerate the growth of the hydrogen-based economy and increase the number of hydrogen-related innovations in Finland. This cluster is composed of different actors – including companies, public bodies, and equipment suppliers – who cooperate to create a strong and competitive green hydrogen ecosystem in Finland. 