H2 View understands the partners signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for a land lease in the Kokkola Industrial Park area, where they plan to build capacity for the production of ‘mainly green’ hydrogen and ammonia.

With hopes of production commencing at the end of 2027, the Finnish duo have said the plant would mark a concrete step forward for the country’s hydrogen industry, which would be for meeting energy needs and ensuring self-sufficient fertiliser production.

According to Flexen, Gasgrid Finland is set to aid it in studying the development requirements for local, regional, and national hydrogen infrastructure for the project.

Additionally, Swedish-based Nordion Energi, developer of the Nordic Hydrogen Route Bothnian Bay project, which aims to set up 1,000km of hydrogen transmission network around the Bothnian Bay and Bothnian Gulf by 2030 has partnered for the Kokkola project.

Read more: Finland targets creating a world-leading hydrogen economy

Commenting on the new plans, Berndt Schalin, CEO of Flexins Oy Ab, said, “The market outlook for green hydrogen and ammonia is excellent. BotH2nia, ‘the Hydrogen Bay of the North’, being established around the Gulf and Bay of Bothnia, is predicted to be able to meet a significant part of all of Europe’s energy needs in the form of hydrogen.

“Furthermore, the Kokkola plant’s 300MW would fulfil a third of the domestic capacity target of 1,000MW as stated in Finland’s climate and energy strategy.”

Read more: Finland launches National Hydrogen Roadmap

Jonne Sanberg, Chairperson of the Board at KIP Infra Oy, added, “We are happy about Flexens’ project. We have purposefully constructed the area of Kokkola Industrial Park, KIP, and its industrial infrastructure, and Flexens’ decision is an indication of a well-functioning ecosystem.”

The intended project has received support from Finnish Government officials, with Minister of Economic Affairs, Mika Lintilä saying Kokkola offers a prime location for hydrogen investments.

“This is good news for Central Ostrobothnia and the development of the Finnish hydrogen economy,” said Lintilä. “Thanks to the city’s deep-water port and industrial centre, Kokkola is a very attractive investment destination. Interest in producing green hydrogen and ammonia has increased enormously in recent years. Implementing this project would improve energy self-sufficiency and strengthen domestic fertiliser production for agriculture.”