Under the agreement, Fortum is not committing to building a hydrogen plant itself but will instead develop the site and market it to potential investors who want to build a hydrogen or hydrogen-based fuels facility there.

Around 17 hectares in size, the project will be located close to the local port for export purposes. The site is already zoned for industrial use and has access to biogenic CO2, supporting the production of hydrogen derivatives and synthetic fuels.

Any actual plant would be funded and owned by a separate project investor.

The city of Kemi is aiming to attract new industry, jobs, and tax revenue.

“Developing a new industry is challenging, and municipalities need partners in the process,” explained Kimmo Heikka, the city’s Vitality Director.

“Fortum has strong credentials, resources, and expertise in developing clean transition industrial investments.”

The Nordic energy utility already has operational hydrogen experience in Finland, including a 1MW alkaline electrolyser at its Kalla Test Centre near the Loviisa nuclear plant.