Review of hydrogen transportation methods and on-going projects in Finland

Abstract

The thesis examines hydrogen transportation methods and related on-going projects in Finland. The research method of the thesis is literature research. The presentation of the projects is based on information found on the websites and databases of the representative companies, as well as on articles related to the projects. The aim of the work is not only to raise awareness of hydrogen transport methods and ongoing projects, but also increase the accessibility of existing information. The transportation methods and related technologies are presented separately, and different methods are compared in terms of efficiency, environmental and economic viability. The transport methods introduced are pipeline network, road transport by truck and train, and maritime transport by ship. In addition to transport methos, the work introduces the on-going hydrogen projects in Finland on this topic. These projects will be assessed in terms of their relevance to sustainable development and economic viability. The thesis introduces two projects. The first is the Nordic Baltic Hydrogen Corridor, which is an international collaboration between Gasgrid Oy of Finland and several companies in the industry. The project aims to create a network of gas pipelines for the transport of hydrogen connecting the Nordic countries and the Baltic States to Central Europe. The second project under discussion is an investment plan by the US hydrogen company Plug Power for three cities in Finland: Kokkola, Kristiinankaupunki and Porvoo. Of the transport methods, pipeline network was the most viable solution for large volumes to be transported and stable transport destinations. Other transport methods offer support for the transportation needs of smaller quantities and for locations inaccessible to the pipeline network. Of the projects, the Gasgrid pipeline project has so far progressed as planned and without problems, while the Plug Power project, which requires more funding, has faced financial challenges. This is a typical problem, especially for projects dealing with future solutions, as investors behave cautiously when historical data on investments is not available. Many production-related hydrogen projects are planned in Finland and the future will show what kind of hydrogen economy they will form with transport projects.