Liquefaction expertise for major energy transition project

Wärtsilä has been contracted to provide the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the liquefaction and storage of liquefied synthetic methane (LSM). It is planned that the Power-to-X facility will be built by Koppö Energia Oy, a joint venture between Germany’s Prime Green Energy Infrastructure Fund and CPC Finland Oy, in Kristinestad.

The plant, with a capacity of 200 MW, will convert green electricity into hydrogen and sustainable LSM. The Koppö Energy Cluster will provide up to 500 MW of wind energy and 100 MW of photovoltaic sustainable power for the plant’s operation.

Koppö Energia board member, Thomas Zirngibl, explained: "We conducted a diligent selection process before awarding the FEED agreements for our energy transition project. Wärtsilä Gas Solutions is globally recognised as a leader in advanced liquefaction and storage solutions, and their expertise in this field will be an important contribution to the success of the project.ˮ

Speaking for Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, Trond Inge Flønes, Sales and Business Development manager, said: "Wärtsilä is committed to decarbonising energy production, so we are naturally proud and pleased to have been selected to participate in this important project. As the energy transition progresses, we expect green hydrogen to play an increasingly relevant part. Our company is also heavily involved in the research and development of alternative sustainable fuels, and we see Power-to-X technologies playing a growing role in the energy transition towards a future where renewable energy becomes increasingly important."

The green hydrogen produced in Kristinestad will be converted into LSM to be used as a sustainable fuel for heavy transport. The investment decision for the plant is expected to be made at the beginning of 2024.