ANDRITZ AND SSE SUOMEN SÄÄTÖENERGIA TO BUILD RENEWABLE METHANOL PRODUCTION PLANT IN FINLAND

ANDRITZ and SSE Suomen Säätöenergia Oy, two leaders in clean energy and sustainable technologies, are collaborating to develop an innovative biofuel production plant at a site in the town of Nurmes, eastern Finland. The “Hybrid Refinery Nurmes” project will produce high-quality renewable methanol using gasification syngas from biomass and green hydrogen.

Gasification is a well-known technology for converting biomass into usable synthesis gas. At the Nurmes plant, the biomass will come from forest residues such as tree trunks, leaves, bark and branches resulting from forestry activities. Green hydrogen for the plant will be produced by electrolysis of water.

Global demand for renewable methanol is growing strongly both in maritime transport and in the chemical industry, as the sectors strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and abandon fossil fuels. In addition, the Nurmes Hybrid Refinery is good news for wind power projects in Finland, as it offers a stable long-term customer for the electricity they produce.

ANDRITZ is currently carrying out the first concept study for the project that will also include the methanol synthesis process in addition to the green hydrogen and gasification technologies. Production is planned to commence at the end of 2026.

The goal of the joint Hybrid Refinery Nurmes project is to foster a sustainable, environmentally responsible energy future. The production of advanced biofuels, such as methanol, using gasification syngas and green hydrogen, will be a game-changer, offering a viable and scalable solution to combat climate change and promote a greener, cleaner tomorrow. At the same time, it will offer benefits for the surrounding community such as using excess heat from the plant in a district heating scheme.