How to collaborate with Helsinki’s green hydrogen industry
Helsinki Hydrogen Hub (3H2), the world’s first fully integrated green hydrogen plant, is positioning Helsinki at the forefront of clean energy solutions. But what does this initiative mean for international companies eyeing the green hydrogen industry?
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Helsinki’s commitment to sustainability
Green hydrogen is set to become one of the world’s largest markets as we shift towards cleaner energy solutions across the globe. Finland’s government program, “A strong and committed Finland,” maps out a vision for Finland to lead the way in the hydrogen economy, making it a prime spot for hydrogen projects.
With a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, Helsinki’s green energy landscape is booming. The city’s dedication to sustainable innovation creates a fertile ground for green hydrogen—a game-changing energy solution that is clean, versatile, and poised to transform industries globally.
Taking a leading role in this growing market, Helsinki energy company Helen is investing in Helsinki’s first green hydrogen production plant: Helsinki Hydrogen Hub (3H2).
What does this new hub mean for international businesses eyeing the green hydrogen scene, whether to use hydrogen as a source of electricity or develop hydrogen-related solutions? We break down Helsinki’s hydrogen capabilities, and the benefits for companies considering investing in R&D centres here.
Why collaborate with Helsinki Hydrogen Hub?
Solving one of the industry's biggest challenges
One of 3H2’s primary missions is to address a longstanding challenge in the hydrogen sector: the lack of infrastructure to support hydrogen-powered vehicles. With the plant operational by 2026 and a dedicated filling station planned for 2027, Helsinki welcomes businesses developing hydrogen-powered transport solutions to collaborate and thrive.
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Helen is investing in a 3 MW pilot plant, the first of its kind in Helsinki. This plant will commence operations in 2026 and is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 3,700 tonnes annually. The plant will also employ digital twin technology to optimise hydrogen production and operations, providing companies with unparalleled learning opportunities
Partner with a clean energy pioneer
Finland’s clean energy credentials are unmatched, with 94% of electricity produced emission-free. Investments in grid reliability and the nation’s expanding wind power capacity (projected to grow from 6 GW in 2024 to 23 GW by 2030) ensure a stable energy foundation for green hydrogen projects.
The 3H2 Advantage
Primarily owned by the City of Helsinki, Helen, is spearheading the city’s move towards clean energy through the world’s first fully integrated hydrogen plant. Powered by renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the plant aims to decarbonise electricity, transportation, and heating while utilising waste heat for district heating—a feature that sets 3H2 apart in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Key partnerships supporting green hydrogen in Helsinki
Helen, Helsinki’s leading energy company, is collaborating with MAN Energy Solutions and H-TEC SYSTEMS to integrate cutting-edge hydrogen production technologies into the Helsinki Hydrogen Plant. This partnership underscores a commitment to sustainable innovation.
Helen has also partnered with Vireon to establish a hydrogen refuelling station at the Helsinki Hydrogen Hub, catering primarily to heavy transport vehicles. Scheduled to open in 2027, this station will play a pivotal role in expanding Finland’s hydrogen economy.
“What makes this project first of a kind is the integration of four sectors: electricity, hydrogen, transportation and heat,” says Tuukka Hartikka, Vice President, Hydrogen & Power to X at Helen.
What makes Helsinki a launchpad for clean energy?
World-class industrial expertise
Finland’s industrial ecosystem includes high-tech companies skilled in hydrogen applications, from biofuels to fuel cells. With a robust infrastructure, including district heating systems and advanced ports, businesses have vast opportunities to innovate and scale hydrogen solutions.
A collaborative R&D ecosystem
Helsinki fosters collaboration through initiatives like the Hydrogen Cluster Finland, uniting over 90 organisations to drive sustainable hydrogen innovations. Institutions like Aalto University’s Hydrogen Innovation Centre provide a platform for cutting-edge research and commercialisation of new technologies.
Partner with a clean energy pioneer
Finland’s clean energy credentials are unmatched, with 94% of electricity produced emission-free. Investments in grid reliability and the nation’s expanding wind power capacity (projected to grow from 6 GW in 2024 to 23 GW by 2030) ensure a stable energy foundation for green hydrogen projects.
High-value partnership opportunities
By 2030, the hydrogen market is expected to exceed €250 billion globally. With Helsinki’s strong government backing and infrastructure investments, companies entering this ecosystem stand to gain from high-value partnerships and growth opportunities.
Strong industrial & technological expertise
Our pool of highly educated ICT and engineering talent offers a solid base for developing and integrating complex hydrogen systems. This talent pool is a great mix of experienced and younger talent, with 53% of Helsinki’s workforce having over a decade of engineering experience and 26,500 new engineering graduates entering the scene annually.
A bright future for green hydrogen in Helsinki
Simo Säynevirta, Chair of the Steering Group of Hydrogen Cluster Finland, encapsulates Helsinki’s promise:
Finland’s key strengths in the hydrogen field are based on our clean, robust, and cost competitive electricity system, a high tech society with a predictable low risk investment environment, ample supply of clean water and biogenic CO2, as well as excellent opportunities for taking advantage of the side streams of hydrogen production.
Simo Säynevirta, Chair of the Steering Group of Hydrogen Cluster Finland
Helsinki is quickly becoming a launchpad for innovation in green hydrogen. Join the movement shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape.
