Scandinavian Hydrogen Scene Progresses Within Coastal Bothnia
Both Finland and Sweden have ambitious targets for a greener future. The Swedes (a leader in decarbonisation) aim to have a net-zero carbon economy by 2045, while the Fins pursue a decade better, aiming to be devoid of carbon emissions by 2035. During their mission towards clean energy, it can be accurately commented that both countries have natural advantages.
A potential all-new Swedish wind farm, and a strategic partnership enabling the maintenance of a leading Finnish hydrogen plant, show that the natural advantages, specifically relating to the Gulf of Bothnia, are being tapped into with expertise.
Swedish application for a 3000 MW offshore wind farm
As of the 3rd of June, 2024, ‘Skyborn Renewables’ has submitted a permit application to the Swedish government and the Court of Land and Environment for the construction of a 3000 MW offshore wind farm located 35km south of Kalix and Haparanda.
The farm, set to be known as the ‘Polargrund Offshore Wind-Farm’ is expected to annually produce 10 TWh of fossil-free electricity, which would thus be turned into 200,000 tons of green hydrogen. This would cover seven percent of Sweden’s current electricity consumption and a large proportion of electricity needs in Norrbotten, the closest Swedish county.
Following Sweden’s impressive combat against fossil fuels, an electrical revolution dawns. Heavy industries, vehicles and maritime are expected to make the switch to electricity. This will mean a double in Sweden’s overall electricity needs. To stay per Sweden’s climate goal, this electricity must be clean and sustainable.
Niclas Broman, CEO of Skyborn Sweden commented, “Polargrund Offshore is a key project for realizing the business sector’s expansive development plans in Norrbotten and enabling Sweden’s move towards net zero emissions.
“As the developer of Sweden’s northernmost offshore windfarm, we are committed to overcoming the unique challenges of constructing such a large scale project in an arctic”
If successful, this will be Skyborns’ fourth wind farm, cementing themselves at the forefront of Sweden’s hydrogen industry.
Enersense and P2X enter a partnership regarding Harjavalta hydrogen plant
‘Enersense’, (a zero-emission energy solution provider) and ‘P2X Solutions’ (green-hydrogen producer) have entered into a partnership to cooperate on the operation and maintenance of a production plant in Harjavalta, coastal west-Finland. This agreement helps protect a plant which is crucial to Finland’s clean energy movement.
Enersense have voiced the importance of hydrogen in the energy transition, commenting: “The role of hydrogen in the energy transition is unique, as it enables the production and storage of clean and renewable energy.
“Hydrogen can be used in a variety of ways in industry and transport, making it a crucial factor in the transition to a fossil-free future.
“The cooperation has previously included our participation in project implementation, and now it is expanding to also cover operation and maintenance. This enables more efficient and sustainable energy production.”
Herkko Plit, CEO at P2X Solutions expressed: “The construction of our Harjavalta plant has progressed well, with more than 700 consecutive days without lost-time accidents on the site. In cooperation with Enersense, we want to ensure that the commissioning and operation of the plant will also run safely and reliably.”
“The new partnership agreement supports our [Enersense] strategy of providing our customers with sustainable solutions for the energy transition. Hydrogen is becoming increasingly important, and we are committed to promoting its use.” Added Mikko Luoma, Vice President of Smart Services and Industry at Enersense.
This partnership should not only maintain but improve the plant’s efficiency, increasing profit which can be used for subsequent ventures into the hydrogen-sphere. This bears hope and progress for the Finnish climate target and wider Scandinavian hydrogen scene.
Byline: Sonny Riddell
