Finnish energy company Helen has selected Sweco as its EPCM partner for the implementation of its first green hydrogen production plant. Hydrogen production is expected to start in 2026, targeting the heavy-duty transport sector. Excess heat from the production process will be used in Helen’s district heating network, which is expected to increase the plant’s energy efficiency to over 90%.
Helen, one of Finland’s largest energy companies, has been working with Sweco for many years. Sweco has already been the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) partner for several of Helen’s heating and cooling plant projects. The new 3H2 Helsinki Hydrogen Hub is Helen’s first foray into hydrogen investments, with a pilot plant with a capacity of approximately three megawatts.
“Sweco has extensive experience as a consultant and EPCM partner for Helen, and we have established joint working methods for smooth project execution. This successful cooperation now extends to Sweco’s considerable hydrogen expertise gained from numerous projects in Finland and across Europe. It is fantastic to continue working together to achieve Helen’s carbon neutrality targets as part of the ongoing green transition,” says Thomas Hietto, Business Area President of Sweco Finland.
As the EPCM partner, Sweco is responsible for the design of the project’s regional infrastructure, including architectural and structural engineering, plant design, project management, procurement and site management services. The electrolyser and related equipment will be designed, supplied and installed by another partner.
“The 3H2 project is the first of its kind in the world and combines four different sectors: electricity, transport, heating and hydrogen, with flexibility between them. For Helen, hydrogen is an essential part of our new strategy and we are committed to investing in the development of the hydrogen business. It is great to continue our smooth cooperation with Sweco by building Helsinki’s first green hydrogen production plant together,” says Sari Mannonen, SVP, New Business and Hydrogen at Helen.
In the energy transition, Sweco supports its customers by bringing together expertise in areas of strategic importance for energy supply. These range from renewable energy production and the development of the electricity transmission and distribution network to efficient energy consumption and technological developments in areas such as hydrogen energy storage, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU).
Copyright: Arkkitehtitoimisto Virkkunen Co
