Jyväskylä joins the Business Finland-funded HELO hydrogen economy project

The European hydrogen market is rapidly evolving, and Finland is well positioned to meet growing demand across sectors such as aviation, maritime, industry, and agriculture. Hydrogen-based solutions offer significant opportunities for exports as well as for strengthening national security of supply.

The City of Jyväskylä is participating in the two-year HELO research project coordinated by VTT. The project explores logistical challenges that slow the growth of the hydrogen economy and develops solutions for integrating production, storage, logistics, and end use.

Towards a scalable and competitive hydrogen economy

The HELO project examines how hydrogen-based value chains can evolve from pilot phases into large-scale business. A key focus is on modelling high-value product chains and understanding how hydrogen value chains can be built into efficient, cost-competitive, and scalable systems.

The project will deliver:

• market-driven scenarios for hydrogen product demand

• analyses of logistics and infrastructure requirements

• a concrete roadmap to support decision-making
  

Special attention is paid to regional solutions. Tampere and Jyväskylä are used as case examples in modelling and scenario work. Programme Manager Nina Rautiainen represents the City of Jyväskylä in the project steering group, which guides the project and ensures the usability of its results.

The project offers Jyväskylä opportunities to:

• strengthen its role in hydrogen economy development

• identify new investment and business opportunities

• promote regional vitality and sustainable development

• support long-term security of supply

Broad collaboration enhances impact

The project brings together a wide range of Finnish companies and organizations, including Finnair, Metsä Group, Valio, Tesi, and the University of Vaasa. This collaboration combines research and industry perspectives, strengthening both impact and practical applicability.

The HELO project is part of the Food 2.0 programme led by Valio and the Fossil Free Future programme led by Danfoss. It is co-funded by Business Finland through its Co-Research model, which supports collaboration between research organizations and industry.

Further information:

Nina Rautiainen
Programme Manager
+358 50 413 7028
nina.rautiainen@jyvaskyla.fi