Flexens to build a large green hydrogen plant – along with an ammonia plant
The Finnish project developer Flexens aims to start green hydrogen production with a capacity of 350 megawatts and integrate it with green ammonia production. This combination is expected to increase national and European self-sufficiency in fertilisers as well as energy.
Hydrogen project article series introduces the projects and perspectives of H2Cluster Finland member companies.
The town of Kokkola, located on the west coast of Finland, is known for an exceptional concentration of inorganic chemical industry and a deep-water port.
“The port is one of the two that handle ammonia in Finland, and there are also storage facilities for ammonia right next to the port in the Kokkola Industrial Park,” says Jim Häggblom, Senior Project Manager at Flexens. For Flexens these are important details, as the Finnish project development company aims to start the production of green ammonia by 2027. Initial planned capacity will be 200 000 tonnes per year.
“Ammonia is needed to make fertilisers, and presently it’s made mainly from natural gas. The availability of domestic green ammonia will strengthen Finland’s – and Europe’s – self-sufficiency in fertilisers.”
Large green hydrogen plant next to users and pipelines
Green hydrogen, which is required in green ammonia production, will also be produced by Flexens.
“Hydrogen is already being produced in the area, which guarantees an established and safe operating environment. There is also plenty of wind power available and a strong power grid,” Häggblom says.
With a capacity of 350 megawatts, Flexens’ hydrogen plant will be one of the biggest in Finland.
“Besides using hydrogen for ammonia production, we will also be able to sell it to others. There are already potential customers in the area.”
Häggblom expects that the area for smooth hydrogen sales and transportation will be far larger than today, as Gasgrid Finland, the Finnish gas transmission company, together with its Swedish partner, is planning to build a cross-border network of pipelines in the Bothnia Bay region by 2030.
“We also have an opportunity to deliver waste heat from hydrogen production to the district heating network and offer steam from ammonia production to factories nearby.”
Hydrogen pioneer Lhyfe to offer experience and connections
Häggblom estimates the whole investment to rise to over EUR 700 million which will be provided by investors and supplemented by grants. Flexens’ team, which is experienced in modelling energy systems and developing renewable energy projects, will be supported by Lhyfe, which is one of the world’s pioneers in the production of green hydrogen. In March 2023, Lhyfe became the major shareholder of Flexens with a 49% stake.
“Lhyfe will provide us with additional experience and valuable connections, for example, in the technology market. We are well prepared for a large project and already looking for new regions for new hydrogen projects as well.”
