Sweco has been appointed by Helen, a Finnish energy company, to oversee the development of its green hydrogen facility in Helsinki, Finland.  

The 3H2 Helsinki Hydrogen Hub, which marks Helen's initial foray into hydrogen production, features a pilot plant with a projected capacity of approximately 3MW.  

In its role as the engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) partner, Sweco will manage the planning of the project's local infrastructure, which encompasses the design of architecture, structural engineering, and the plant itself.  

Another entity will be responsible for providing and installing the electrolyser and associated systems.  

Hydrogen production at the site is scheduled to commence in 2026, targeting the heavy-duty transportation industry as its primary customer base.  

The surplus heat generated during hydrogen production will be integrated into Helen's district heating system, which is anticipated to enhance the overall energy efficiency of the plant beyond 90%.  

Helen New Business and Hydrogen SVP Sari Mannonen said: “The 3H2 project is the first of its kind in the world and combines four different sectors: electricity, transport, heating and hydrogen, and the 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.”  

The project will contribute to Finland's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. 

Specifically, Finland’s government has endorsed a strategy that includes increasing the country's share of green hydrogen production to at least 10% of the EU's total by 2030.  

Current hydrogen consumption in Finland is approximately 140 kilotonnes annually, with expectations to double this figure in the next decade or so.  

Sweco has a longstanding partnership with Helen, having previously collaborated on multiple heating and cooling plant initiatives as its EPCM partner.