Liquid Wind and Turku Energy Join Forces for eFuel Production in Finland
Liquid Wind and Turku Energy Partner for eFuel Facility in Finland
In a strategic collaboration, Liquid Wind has announced a partnership with Turun Seudun Energiantuotanto Oy (TSE) to build a new eFuel production facility in Naantali, Finland. This initiative, highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant step towards advancing Finland’s green hydrogen projects as the country seeks to enhance its clean energy infrastructure.
The proposed facility will be situated adjacent to the TSE-managed Naantali 4 power plant, benefiting from existing biogenic CO2 and steam resources, which are crucial for producing eMethanol, a versatile and eco-friendly fuel alternative. The facility aims to produce 100,000 tons of eMethanol annually, sourced from both green hydrogen and biogenic CO2, with an overall capacity forecast of 160,000 tons.
The timeline for this ambitious project includes a planned Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2026, leading to operational status by 2029. This timeline is crucial not only for the project stakeholders but also for the regional and national energy strategies focused on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Claes Fredriksson, CEO and Founder of Liquid Wind, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the commitment to promoting a local and global shift towards clean energy. He stated, “Through this partnership with TSE, we are leveraging our combined strengths to accelerate the clean energy transition. Our focus on Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) in Naantali will play a pivotal role in reusing CO2 and waste heat effectively.”
In tandem with the production of eMethanol, this facility aims to reduce the reliance on incineration-based district heating, paving the way for a greener energy framework in the Turku region. TSE Managing Director Pertti Sundberg noted the significance of this project in achieving climate goals and securing renewable heating options for the local area. Furthermore, this initiative reflects TSE's commitment to fostering a domestic hydrogen economy.
The partnership is anticipated to enhance the capabilities of the Naantali power plant, integrating eMethanol production within its existing energy supply functions while ensuring modest investments from TSE. Mika Lehtonen, Chairman of the TSE Board, highlighted the importance of this collaboration as a catalyst for advancing resource efficiency and aligning with the circular energy economy.
Moreover, the Mayor of Naantali, Laura Leppänen, underlined the project's role in the city’s green transition initiatives, particularly in revitalizing the former Neste harbor area. With sustainability baked into the city’s strategy, the eMethanol facility aligns with their goals and reinforces the commitment to a cleaner, more efficient energy future.
As evinced by this partnership, Liquid Wind and TSE are not just embarking on an infrastructural project, but are also catalyzing a broader transition to renewable energy in Finland. This eFuel facility symbolizes the potential of innovation and collaboration in addressing climate challenges while positioning Turku as a leader in clean energy production.
In conclusion, the establishment of the eFuel facility in Naantali represents a substantial leap toward achieving Finland’s sustainability targets and could set a benchmark for future energy projects. With the support of local authorities and the joint expertise of Liquid Wind and TSE, the vision of a cleaner and more sustainable energy future could very well be on the horizon.