Donation to hydrogen research at the University of Vaasa
To mark its 20th anniversary, the Riitta and Jorma J. Takanen Foundation has donated €120,000 to the University of Vaasa for the development of research infrastructure. With this donation, the university will build capabilities for hydrogen utilisation and energy storage in its engine laboratory between 2026 and 2028. At the same time, the university will strengthen its long-term commitment to energy research and sustainable development solutions.
The University of Vaasa operates at the heart of EnergyVaasa, the largest cluster of energy and environmental expertise in the Nordic countries, and develops expertise in the energy sector in close cooperation with international industrial companies and the public sector. The aim is to reform the energy sector and combat climate change with advanced solutions.
Since 2024, the university's engine laboratory has been developing a new energy system based on hydrogen and biomethane. In the first phase, hydrogen will be mixed with biomethane, and in the second phase, the use of pure hydrogen will be introduced. In the third phase, from 2026 to 2028, the focus will be on comprehensive system design and testing using a digital twin. The goal is to develop a framework that enables integrated and dynamic examination and research of different energy systems. This approach provides a comprehensive view of the functioning of the energy system and supports the understanding of the energy transition as a global systemic shift.
The research focuses on system resilience, speed, and reliability in critical situations. The donation is specifically targeted at energy system design, battery technology development, and the construction of a digital testing and simulation environment.
"We have been developing our research environment over the long term to meet future needs. The donation will enable the construction of a new type of research infrastructure that supports the green transition and the energy transition," says Mika Grundström, Vice Rector of the University of Vaasa.
"The Riitta and Jorma J. Takanen Foundation, established in 2005, aims to support the development and research of the technology industry in central and northern Finland. The foundation's board saw that this project by the University of Vaasa, which specialises in energy and environmental research, is an excellent way to fulfil the foundation's purpose in its 20th anniversary year, says Jonna Tolonen, chair of the foundation's board.
"This research infrastructure will strengthen the foundation for energy research, which is focused on finding carbon-neutral fuels, such as hydrogen, and developing related storage and utilisation solutions. The research will enable a shift in our society towards carbon-neutral energy production, supporting our Energy Transition Valley initiative. I would like to sincerely congratulate the foundation on its anniversary and thank it for its donation, Grundström continues.
