Finnish PtX plant developer, Flexens, has recently unveiled its ambitious project to construct a 350MW facility in western Finland for the production of green ammonia from electrolytic hydrogen. The chosen site for this venture is the town of Kokkola, renowned for its deepwater port and existing industrial presence in the inorganic chemical sector.
With a target to commence green ammonia production by 2027, Flexens aims to initially produce 200,000 tonnes per year. Kokkola's strategic location provides a significant advantage as one of only two ports in Finland that handle ammonia, with adjacent storage facilities in the Kokkola Industrial Park. Jim Häggblom, Senior Project Manager at Flexens, highlighted the importance of ammonia in fertilizer production, currently predominantly derived from natural gas. The availability of domestically produced green ammonia is poised to bolster Finland's and Europe's self-sufficiency in fertilizers.
Regarding green hydrogen production, Häggblom emphasized the ample wind power resources and robust power grid in the region. Furthermore, the demand for hydrogen is expected to rise with the collaborative efforts of Gasgrid Finland, the national gas transmission company, and its Swedish counterpart, to establish a cross-border network of pipelines in the Bothnia Bay region by 2030.
Häggblom also outlined additional advantages of the project, including the opportunity to provide waste heat from hydrogen production to the district heating network and supply steam from ammonia production to nearby factories. These measures contribute to the efficient utilization of resources and the integration of sustainable solutions into existing infrastructure.
The successful realization of the project necessitates a substantial investment of €700 million. Funding will be sourced from investors, with supplementary grants supporting the development. Flexens, equipped with a skilled team experienced in energy system modeling and renewable energy projects, will receive support from Lhyfe, the major shareholder of Flexens, holding a 49% stake.
Flexens' plans to establish a state-of-the-art green ammonia facility in western Finland marks a significant step towards advancing the country's and Europe's self-reliance in fertilizer production. The utilization of renewable resources, such as wind power for hydrogen production, coupled with the strategic location of Kokkola, positions this project as a promising endeavor in the realm of sustainable energy and chemical industries.
