Green energy from Jokilaaksot and nearby municipalities

Markku Kananen | Oulu

In Finland, there are plans for €10 billion investments in green hydrogen produced with surplus emission-free electricity, as well as a hydrogen gas pipeline following the west coast from Sweden-Finland to Germany. Municipalities in Jokilaaksot also aim to be at the forefront of the energy transition. An example is the initiative to build a hydrogen pipeline from the west coast towards the inland. And the plans don't stop there.

According to a study conducted by the regional development organization NIHAK, wind power projects that are either under construction or in progress in Jokilaaksot and neighboring municipalities could account for up to half of Finland's onshore wind power production – as the area is crossed by two 400 kV and two 220 kV main grids and hosts several power stations. Additionally, plans are underway to build three new main grid backbone lines that could support up to five new 400 kV lines. For comparison, along the coast, there are 400 kV and 110 kV lines. Fingrid has published various scenarios, but the essence is that Jokilaaksot and neighboring municipalities will produce climate-friendly energy from different sources significantly more than the current levels.

Electricity and hydrogen economies based on wind and solar power are not the only goals for municipalities in Jokilaaksot. Action has been taken in the field of biogas and biofuels as well. Examples include the production of liquefied biogas and e-methane in Nivala, bio-charcoal, e-methane, e-ethanol and lignin in Haapavesi, as well as bio-oil and in Haapajärvi. EU regulations and profitability assessments will determine which projects ultimately come to fruition.

Finland as a pioneer and model for green hydrogen economy
Green hydrogen economy is being praised as the future energy solution produced from surplus climate-neutral electricity. There are plenty of milestones along this path, with fusion energy potentially awaiting at the finish line. Hydrogen, being the lightest element, easily permeates materials, which makes it challenging to transport, store, and prone to ignition.

Read the whole news item in which COPOWER is featured.

Image by University of Oulu.