Ren-Gas picks Sunfire’s electrolyzer for its renewable e-methane plant in Finland

German electrolyzer manufacturer Sunfire will deliver 50 megawatt (MW) electrolyzer capacity for Nordic Ren-Gas’ renewable e-methane plant in Tampere, Finland.

As disclosed, the equipment delivery will consist of five 10 MW pressurized alkaline electrolysis modules. Sunfire will be responsible for the design, production, testing, delivery, supervision of installation and commissioning, as well as performance testing of the equipment.

The pressurized alkaline electrolyzer technology will play a “pivotal” role in converting renewable electricity into green hydrogen as part of the e-methane production, Sunfire claimed, adding that this collaboration underscores the commitment of both companies to driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.

Saara Kujala, Ren-Gas’ CEO, stated: “Following a thorough analysis and selection process, we are pleased to announce the selection of Sunfire as our electrolysis equipment supplier for our Tampere project. Throughout the selection process, we closely collaborated with Sunfire, whose capabilities and commitment to green hydrogen production are exceptional. Our cooperation serves as a tangible example of European hydrogen industry collaboration, demonstrating our shared interest in advancing the European hydrogen sector.”

Nils Aldag, Sunfire’s CEO, commented: “We’re proud to provide our pressurized alkaline electrolyzer technology for Ren-Gas’s Tampere e-methane plant. Our advanced solution is designed to deliver efficient and reliable hydrogen production at scale, ensuring that Ren-Gas meets its ambitious sustainability targets. This partnership marks a significant step forward in establishing Europe’s leadership role in the green hydrogen sector.”

To note, Ren-Gas’ facility in Tampere is set to produce renewable e-methane for heavy road and maritime transport. As informed, in the e-methane production process, approximately 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide captured from the Tarastenjärvi waste incineration plant’s flue gases will be used as raw material, along with green hydrogen produced with Sunfire’s electrolyzer. The plant is expected to yield approximately 200 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable fuel for heavy road and maritime transport annually, as well as 180 GWh of carbon dioxide-free district heating for Tampere’s district heating system.

At the beginning of 2024, Ren-Gas and Finnish state-owned energy company Gasum signed an offtake agreement under which the latter will buy all of the e-methane to be produced at the power-to-gas plant in Tampere from 2026 onwards.