Hycamite TCD Technologies is planning to break ground on an industrial pilot plant for sustainable hydrogen production in Finland. At the pilot plant, the company will test its new hydrogen production technology at factory scale. Hycamite has reserved an area for the new plant in the Kokkola Industrial Park (KIP), which has the highest concentration of inorganic chemical industry in Northern Europe.
Using a unique method based on thermo-catalytic decomposition, Hycamite produces hydrogen and carbon from methane and biogas with sustainable catalysts. Different allotropes of pure carbon can be produced in the process, depending on customers’ needs. Hydrogen and carbon production do not generate greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our goal is to implement large-scale hydrogen production over the next couple of years, using our new technology. The hydrogen we generate can be used for clean energy production and for various industrial processes. Our output will enable companies to switch to hydrogen in the next few years, despite shortages in wind-powered hydrogen production that may continue for some time,” says Laura Rahikka, CEO of Hycamite.
Demand for hydrogen is increasing due to its role in curbing the greenhouse effect. Hydrogen combustion does not generate greenhouse gases, only pure water vapor. Hydrogen can be used both as an energy source to balance fluctuations in the amount of electricity produced by wind power and as a raw material for the chemical industry. In addition, it can be used to produce synthetic fuels to replace natural gas and oil products.
As early as next month, Hycamite will open new test facilities in the KIP that are larger than its current laboratory. Construction of the industrial-size pilot plant is expected to begin next year. Hycamite has already entered into a letter of intent with Kokkola Energia for the supply of gas to the new pilot plant.
“Hycamite strengthens Kokkola’s position as a hub for the hydrogen industry. With its production, Hycamite supports other companies’ transition to the use of hydrogen. Hycamite’s hydrogen also provides an opportunity for companies in the region to utilize their greenhouse gas emissions by making carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels,” says Jonne Sandberg, Development Director, City of Kokkola.
There are currently almost 20 industrial plants in the KIP, alongside approximately 60 service companies that support the core functions of the industrial companies. These businesses directly employ 2,300 people.
