The study outcomes pave the way for hydrogen economy potential in Rauma

Rejlers assessed the suitability of the infrastructure and operating environment of the City of Rauma for investments in hydrogen and Power-to-X value chains. The study identified the broad potential of hydrogen projects in Rauma, of which the placement of a carbon-neutral ammonia production facility in the Rauma Lakari area was highlighted as an example of a promising concept. 

Driving sustainable growth and promoting the green transition are important goals for the City of Rauma. As part of the green transition, high expectations are placed on cleanly produced hydrogen and value chains formed around its applications. The Rauma region is an attractive location for energy-intensive hydrogen economy projects. The region’s competitive advantages include a robust electricity grid and access to the sea. In addition, several renewable energy projects are planned in the region. 

Rejlers carried out a study commissioned by Prizztech, which examined various hydrogen and Power-to-X concepts and their possible placement in three potential development areas in Rauma. 

“The goal of the City of Rauma was to assess the suitability of the region for the hydrogen economy and Power-to-X applications and the requirements for their placement in the business environment in Rauma and the attractive Lakari industrial park,” says Sustainable Development Coordinator Anna Meriruoho. “The study improves the city´s toolbox used in the negotiations with green transition investors and supports the development of services and materials to attract such investments to Rauma. The study describes the main production concepts of hydrogen and Power-to-X applications, i.e. ammonia, methane and methanol. Rauma’s suitability as a location for these concepts was examined based on technical boundary conditions and the prerequisites for investment. 

“The analysis showed that as a whole, Rauma meets the requirements for hydrogen production investments very well. However, in the examined areas, the differences identified in the readiness of the infrastructure and land use potential affected the further development potential of the projects,” says Jaakko Tamminen, Technology Consultant at Rejlers. 

The study assessed a medium-sized synthetic ammonia production plant as an example of a potential production concept, which could be located near the Lakari industrial park in Rauma. 

“Ammonia is used near Rauma in the regions of Satakunta and Southwest Finland, and so far, Finland lacks the ammonia production capacity to meet this demand. Sustainable ammonia would also have export potential through the Port of Rauma and benefit from well-established and low-cost logistics solutions compared to hydrogen. Lakari industrial park would be a suitable location for an ammonia plant, when safety and environmental aspects are addressed extensively in the project plans,” says Tamminen. 

An ammonia production plant or other hydrogen-based solutions would complement Rauma’s existing strong industrial business environment. Demanding boundary conditions, such as access to electricity and clean water, land use planning, environmental permits and chemical safety mean that hydrogen projects must be planned diligently. Even in lucrative areas such as the Lakari industrial park in Rauma, project development takes time. 

“The study on the suitability of the region for the hydrogen economy and Power-to-X solutions is a continuation of Rauma’s efforts to develop sustainable industry,” says Satu Saarinen, Director of Development of the City of Rauma. “Interest in Rauma as a location for clean transition investments has increased, and their alignment with the current operating environment of the sustainable industry is central to the development efforts. On the other hand, many questions related to the clean transition investments, such as environmental permitting, land use and zoning, are still to be resolved.” 

The collaboration between Rejlers, the client Prizztech and the City of Rauma was seamless. Rejlers was a familiar and trusted consulting firm for Prizztech from previous projects such as participation in the Satakunta region natural gas economy plan. 

At the beginning of the study, extensive interviews were conducted with relevant hydrogen economy stakeholders and industrial operators in the region. In assessing the placement of hydrogen and Power-to-X projects, Rejlers also took into account the views and plans of the City of Rauma urban planning division. In addition to the desktop analysis and when selecting the example concept, the findings were reviewed together with a steering group by Prizztech and the City of Rauma. 

“Developing an investment environment that serves the needs of the hydrogen economy requires a collaborative network as well as expertise and knowledge from different sectors, including local authorities and businesses. Together with the City of Rauma, we gathered a multi-professional group of experts to steer the study. Everyone took care of their role in an exemplary way, achieving an excellent outcome in the target schedule. Rejlers’ role as the author of the study was integral to the work. The study is certain to serve the needs of different operators,” says Mikko Kotiranta, Project Manager at Prizztech Oy. 

Project developers and investors are actively looking for the best locations for hydrogen and Power-to-X investments, and municipalities should follow the developments closely. Rejlers supports its customers at all stages of project development, from pre-planning to operational services. 

“At Rejlers, we understand the needs of project developers at different stages of preparing investments as well as the situation in municipalities in terms of land use, permits and assessment of alternatives. We are well positioned to support both municipalities and project developers in proceeding with investments,” says Tamminen. 

Image: Rauma Harbour taken by Ari Ahlfors