Situated on the windswept west coast of Finland, Kokkola has always been a town of resilience and forward-thinking. It’s where I grew up, where I’ve watched industries thrive, and where I’m now leading a project that could redefine Finland’s role in the energy transition. At Flexens, we’re incredibly proud of what we’re building here – a renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production facility that’s not just bold but truly transformative.
This isn’t just another industrial project. It’s a statement of intent. A vision for a carbon-neutral future. A cornerstone of Finland’s energy independence. And for me, as someone who calls this town home, it’s a deeply personal mission to contribute to something that could change not only Kokkola but also the way Europe approaches sustainable energy.
A Vision for a Carbon-Free Tomorrow
Flexens’ hydrogen and ammonia plant in Kokkola isn’t just ticking boxes for sustainability; it’s setting new standards. With a capacity of 300 megawatts, we’re gearing up to be one of Finland’s largest clean energy facilities. What excites me the most is how this project ties into a bigger story: the global push to decarbonise industries and create solutions that future generations will thank us for.
This facility, which launched in late 2022, is a game-changer. By harnessing renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, we’re not just producing hydrogen and ammonia; we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting down on our dependence on imported fossil fuels. By switching to green ammonia, the production plant can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 419,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year – that’s like taking over 90,000 cars off the road annually! This project aligns perfectly with Finland’s goal of being carbon-neutral by 2035.
Why Kokkola? It’s More Than Just a Location
When we chose Kokkola Industrial Park (KIP) as our site, it wasn’t just a practical decision – it was a strategic one. KIP is not just an industrial hub; it’s a dynamic ecosystem housing over 60 companies specialising in chemistry, energy, and logistics. It’s a place that’s ready to embrace a green future.
Here’s what makes Kokkola Industrial Park perfect:
1. Coastal advantage: Kokkola’s port connects us seamlessly to international markets.
2. Built-in synergies: KIP already houses operators familiar with hydrogen and ammonia production, creating a collaborative atmosphere.
3. Renewable energy boom: The region is rapidly expanding wind, solar and gas infrastructure, giving us a sustainable energy base.
4. World-class expertise: Kokkola has a skilled workforce ready to bring our vision to life.
For Kokkola, this project is about more than energy production – it’s a transformative opportunity for the entire region. From construction to operation, we’re creating jobs that will empower local talent and stimulate economic growth. Engaging with the community is at the heart of our approach, ensuring that local voices are heard, and the project reflects the values and priorities of the area.
The Road Ahead
While the project takes shape, I feel a growing sense of pride – not just in what we’re building but in what it represents. Flexens’ Kokkola facility is not just a milestone for Finland; it’s a model for global innovation in clean energy. It proves that with vision, collaboration and commitment, we can create a sustainable future.
To me, this project isn’t just about renewable and low-carbon hydrogen or ammonia. It’s about the people – our team, our partners and the community of Kokkola. It’s about creating something lasting; something we can all be proud of.
Together, we are shaping the future today! Follow our progress in Kokkola and stay connected for updates and insights. We’re here to discuss how we can collaborate to drive positive change.
About Flexens Kokkola
- Project Scale: One of Finland’s largest ammonia facilities to date
- Location: Kokkola Industrial Park, Finland
- Capacity: 300 MW electrolyser capacity
- Impact: Strengthening Europe’s self-sufficiency in ammonia production while leveraging Finland’s vast renewable energy potential
- Timeline: Operations are set to begin earliest in 2028
- Products: The plant will produce 200 000 tonnes of ammonia as well as heat, steam and oxygen as by-products
Contacts
Jim Häggblom, Senior Project Manager
+358 (0) 401 801 350
jim.haggblom@flexens.com