Hydrogen pipeline alignment plan for Satakunta
Prizztech, a business development company, has prepared a study on the alignment of a hydrogen gas pipeline in Satakunta. The regional alignment study is reportedly the first of its kind in Finland.
The hydrogen pipeline alignment study was prepared as part of the AKKE project Satakunta Gas and Hydrogen Economic Plan 2030, managed by Prizztech. The emerging plan is being prepared in cooperation with the Regional Council of Satakunta, also taking into account the preparatory work for the Satakunta Regional Plan 2050. Ramboll Finland prepared the hydrogen pipeline study.
The hydrogen pipeline study is based on a European plan to build a sizeable transnational hydrogen pipeline network. The EHB organisation has prepared an overall plan for the construction of this gas infrastructure network in spring 2022. In Finland, the key player is the state-owned gas network company Gasgrid Finland.
In Satakunta, it was felt necessary to develop a vision for the alignment of the hydrogen trunk pipeline through the region. The proposed alignments are an opening for discussion and a basic plan outline.
The production of green hydrogen always generates oxygen as a by-product and a lot of heat. The study, therefore, looked at possible connections to district heating networks in urban areas and considered the diverse industrial landscape of Satakunta with its industrial parks. The guidelines also considered the main transport routes and the various energy transmission corridors, as well as the connections between neighbouring regions in these areas. A hydrogen pipeline route close to main roads and urban areas would also allow the construction of a hydrogen refuelling network.
Satakunta produces almost 40% of Finland's emission-free electricity. Plans for additional capacity are abundant, in particular through offshore wind farms. An electrifying society needs all that extra electricity and more. Renewable electricity capacity varies with wind and sun, so electricity would have to be stored somehow. Hydrogen is one opportunity around which there is strong growth in Satakunta with the emergence of the green hydrogen economy. Satakunta is developing the hydrogen economy as one of the pioneers. The Regional Council of Satakunta is preparing a new regional plan for 2050, and this report is an essential part of the preparation of that plan.
Read the study here (in Finnish).
