H-TEC to supply PEM electrolyzers for Helen Oy's Helsinki hydrogen plant

Finnish energy company Helen Oy is joining forces with PEM electrolysis specialist H-TEC Systems and MAN Energy Solutions to build a 3 MW green hydrogen production facility to be located in the vicinity of Helsinki's district heating network and the Vuosaari harbour. 

With this pilot hydrogen plant, Helen aims to up its expertise to meet the needs of large-scale hydrogen production and enhance the flexibility to the entire energy system in the region. 

MAN Energy Solutions will be responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the hydrogen plant, as well as the delivery and installation of hydrogen related equipment in the facility. 

H-TEC Systems, a subsidiary of MAN Energy Solutions, will supply three units of 'ME450' PEM electrolyzers capable of producing up to 1,350 kgs of green hydrogen per day from renewable electricity generated by Helen's portfolio. 

Robin von Plettenberg, CEO of H-TEC, commented on the development "By combining our expertise in the field of PEM electrolysis with MAN Energy Solutions' broad experience in plant engineering, we can offer our customers a first-class package for the production of green hydrogen". 

"We are very pleased that Helen Oy has placed its trust in our joint capabilities and is taking this important step into the future of hydrogen with us. With this plant in the vicinity of the Vuosaari Harbour, our electrolyzers will produce green hydrogen in all Scandinavian countries and Finland. In this way, we are well on the way to laying an important foundation for a climate-neutral energy supply", he noted. 

Due to its high dynamics, PEM electrolysis is claimed as an ideal choice for coupling with fluctuating RE sources and has clear advantages over alkaline electrolysis. Further, they require less electricity per kilogram of hydrogen produced, does not use any aggressive chemicals, and produce high-purity hydrogen, according to the manufacturer. 

"The 3H2 project is the first of its kind in the world by combining four different sectors, electricity, heating, transportation and hydrogen as well as flexibility between them", said Sari Mannonen, Senior Vice President New business & Hydrogen, Helen Oy. 

"Our whole hydrogen team at Helen is very excited and proud of the cooperation with MAN Energy Solutions that is well known of its world class expertise in the industry", he added. 

Helen Oy is planning to deliver the hydrogen to a nearby hydrogen refueling station via pipeline and distribute it to industrial customers or other refueling stations using containers. The waste heat generated in the production process will be utilised in Helen's district heating network, according to the company.