Koppö Energia, a Finland-based energy company, has joined hands with the international technology conglomerate ANDRITZ to propel the frontiers of green hydrogen production.
The collaborative initiative is set to lay the groundwork for a large-scale green hydrogen plant, a move that aligns perfectly with ANDRITZ’s aspirations to become a preeminent global player in the arena of industrial-scale green hydrogen production facilities.
The focal point of this partnership is a colossal plant with a monumental capacity of 200 MW, earmarked for construction in Kristinestad, Finland. Embedded within the broader context of a Power-to-X initiative, the project is a testament to the growing momentum behind harnessing renewable energy for the production of clean and sustainable hydrogen.
Koppö Energia, the driving force behind this venture, emerges as a collaborative venture between Prime Capital, a distinguished German asset manager renowned for its focus on alternative energy projects, and CPC Finland, an offshoot of CPC Germania, a pivotal project developer and green power producer.
The comprehensive scope of ANDRITZ’s contribution encompasses the entire gamut of the hydrogen plant, characterized by the utilization of HydrogenPro’s alkaline electrolyzer technology. This advanced technology is poised to serve as the bedrock for the envisioned plant, effectively setting the stage for a greener future.
The Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) stage, which ANDRITZ will diligently undertake, marks a critical juncture in the project’s evolution. Upon the completion of this phase, the joint venture aims to take the next definitive stride by initiating the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) process at the inception of 2024.
Commenting on this strategic move, Joachim Schönbeck, the CEO of ANDRITZ, underlines the pivotal role of green hydrogen in the unfolding clean energy transition. He notes that this milestone contract, rooted in ANDRITZ’s extensive track record of executing large-scale projects, is poised to carve a path toward success.
The significance of this partnership is echoed by Thomas Zirngibl, a Board Member of Koppö Energia Oy, who highlights the meticulous evaluation process that preceded the awarding of the FEED agreements. The extensive and integrated solution offered by ANDRITZ stood out, positioning the company as a trusted partner in this transformative endeavor.
The planned hydrogen production in Kristinestad embodies the quintessence of sustainability, as it hinges on the power of renewable energy, notably wind power. The broader Koppö Energy Cluster envisages the development of up to 500 MW of wind power and 100 MW of photovoltaics, constituting the energy reservoir to supply the envisioned green hydrogen plant.
The allure of hydrogen derived from renewable sources is underscored by its virtually carbon-neutral attributes, positioning it as an invaluable weapon in the fight against climate change. The long-term strategy for the green hydrogen generated in Kristinestad extends beyond its immediate application, envisioning its conversion into sustainable liquefied synthetic methane (SLSM). This form of hydrogen utilization serves as a potent fuel source for heavy transport, marking a significant stride towards sustainable mobility solutions.
In a broader perspective, green hydrogen, along with its derivative products, is slated to dethrone conventional fossil fuels on a grand scale, especially in sectors that are traditionally energy-intensive and challenging to decarbonize. Industries such as steel, cement, chemicals, and even maritime and road transport are set to reap the benefits of this transformative energy source.
