Finnish energy company Helen has chosen Sweco as its EPCM partner to implement its first green hydrogen production plant. Set to begin hydrogen production in 2026, the plant aims to supply the heavy-duty transport sector. The excess heat generated during production will be used in Helen’s district heating network, boosting the plant’s energy efficiency to over 90%.
Helen, one of Finland’s largest energy operators, has a long-standing partnership with Sweco, having collaborated on several heating and cooling plant projects. The new 3H2 Helsinki Hydrogen Hub, Helen’s inaugural hydrogen investment, will serve as a pilot plant with a capacity of approximately three megawatts.
“Sweco has extensive experience of working as an advisor and EPCM partner to Helen and we have joint operating methods in place for smooth project delivery. This successful cooperation is now being extended to include Sweco’s considerable expertise in hydrogen, gained from numerous projects in Finland and also across Europe. It is fantastic to continue together towards achieving Helen’s carbon neutrality targets, as part of the ongoing green transition,” says Thomas Hietto, Business Area President of Sweco Finland.
As EPCM partner, Sweco is responsible for planning the project’s regional infrastructure, including architectural, structural engineering and plant design, as well as project management, procurement and site management services. The electrolyser and related equipment are designed, supplied, and installed by a different partner.
“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. 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 of Helen.
In the energy transition, Sweco supports its clients by bringing together expertise in areas of strategic importance for energy supply. These range from renewable energy production, expansion of the electricity transmission and distribution grid, efficient energy consumption, and technological development in areas such as hydrogen energy storage, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU).
