Sunfire and P2X Solutions Launch 40 MW Green Hydrogen Project in Joensuu, Finland
Finland is stepping to the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution as Sunfire, a German electrolyser innovator, and P2X Solutions, a Finnish Power-to-X pioneer, announce their collaboration on a 40 MW pressurized alkaline electrolyser plant in Joensuu. This ambitious project, revealed at the World Hydrogen Congress in Copenhagen, marks a major milestone in industrial-scale green hydrogen production, with far-reaching implications for shipping, aviation, and hard-to-abate sectors.
The Joensuu plant will convert renewable electricity into green hydrogen, which will then be transformed into carbon-neutral e-methanol. This drop-in fuel can replace conventional fossil fuels with minimal modifications to engines and infrastructure, offering a direct route to deep emissions reductions in maritime and aviation industries. By combining hydrogen with captured CO₂, e-methanol produced at Joensuu could cut millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually compared to conventional alternatives.
“This partnership is a game-changer for Europe’s green hydrogen ambitions,” said a Sunfire spokesperson. “By integrating cutting-edge German electrolyser technology with Finland’s renewable energy resources, we’re proving that large-scale, industrial hydrogen production is not only possible but scalable.”
The 40 MW plant builds on the success of P2X Solutions’ Harjavalta facility, Finland’s first industrial-scale green hydrogen site, which demonstrated the effectiveness of pressurized alkaline electrolysis. This technology allows hydrogen to be produced at higher pressure, reducing the need for additional compression, lowering energy losses, and decreasing operating costs—delivering hydrogen at a more competitive cost per kilo.
Joensuu, located in North Karelia near the Russian border, offers ideal conditions for large-scale green hydrogen production. The region’s extensive forests provide biomass potential, while reliable hydropower ensures clean electricity for electrolysis. The ongoing FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) study will finalise plant layout, safety systems, grid interconnections, and CO₂ integration, setting the stage for construction and first hydrogen output by 2027.
Beyond environmental benefits, the project promises significant economic impact. Hundreds of jobs will be created across engineering, construction, and operations, while local suppliers of steel, automation systems, and electrical equipment will see increased demand. The initiative positions North Karelia as a strategic hub for Europe’s emerging hydrogen economy.
“This is the sequel to Harjavalta, now on an industrial scale,” said a P2X Solutions spokesperson. “We’ve learned from previous successes, ironed out technical challenges, and streamlined the regulatory pathway. Joensuu is set to demonstrate that green hydrogen can deliver at scale, unlocking new opportunities for European industry.”
The collaboration also aligns with EU initiatives, including the Green Deal and REPowerEU, leveraging policy support and funding to accelerate the continent’s transition to net-zero energy. By establishing Joensuu as a model for regional green hydrogen hubs, Sunfire and P2X Solutions aim to inspire similar projects across Europe, creating a virtuous cycle of investment, innovation, and emissions reduction.
As the FEED study concludes later this year, the project moves closer to a final investment decision in early 2026. If approved, Joensuu will cement Finland’s role as a leader in industrial-scale green hydrogen production, driving the decarbonisation of shipping, aviation, and other critical sectors.
