Vireon is set to construct Finland’s first large-scale green hydrogen refueling station in Jyväskylä. The announcement is significant, as currently there are no H2 stations operating in Finland. This station is the first of four strategically located stations in Finland, made possible through a collaborative project between the Central Finland Mobility Foundation  and the City of Jyväskylä.

The choice of Jyväskylä for the initial station underscores the city’s strategic central location in Finland, providing a pivotal point for the hydrogen infrastructure.

“Jyväskylä’s central location, combined with strong collaboration with Cefmof and the City, makes it an ideal starting point for our hydrogen infrastructure,” says Per Øyvind Voie, Managing Director of Vireon.” This project not only strengthens Jyväskylä’s role in the transition to renewable energy but also paves the way for hydrogen-powered transportation across Finland, as more stations will follow soon.”

The station is primarily targeting heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses but will also cater to lighter vehicles like taxis and vans, promoting the use of green hydrogen as a clean energy source.

In conjunction with the refueling station, the first green hydrogen-powered buses in Finland will be piloted in Jyväskylä by 2025, with five Caetano H2 City Gold buses set to join the city’s public transport fleet.

Jyväskylä promotes carbon neutrality and a green hydrogen-based ecosystem

The City of Jyväskylä has a clear strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, underscoring its commitment to sustainable urban development.

“As a city, we are taking concrete steps towards this goal,” says Timo Koivisto, Mayor of Jyväskylä. “The establishment of CEFMOF, in collaboration with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team and the Toyota Mobility Foundation, is a significant milestone. The opening of our first green hydrogen refueling station and the launch of the hydrogen bus pilot are excellent starts for building a green hydrogen ecosystem in Jyväskylä.”

First Green Hydrogen-Powered Buses to be Piloted in Jyväskylä by 2025

Jyväskylä will pioneer the use of green hydrogen-powered buses in Finland by 2025. The pilot project will integrate five green hydrogen-fueled buses into the city’s public transportation fleet, supported by a new hydrogen refueling station. This initiative will test the performance of green hydrogen buses under northern conditions, contributing to sustainable urban transport.

“We are promoting carbon neutrality through various projects utilizing green hydrogen, allowing citizens to experience its potential and raising public awareness. This project aims to enhance urban transport and tackle environmental challenges, supporting Jyväskylä’s transition to sustainable solutions and contributing to a cleaner, healthier urban environment and a resilient local economy,” says Haruka AraiExecutive Director from Cefmof.

To generate supply and demand at the same time, The Cefmof Foundation has secured five Caetano H2 City Gold buses. Production will begin in January 2025, with the hydrogen buses set to enter test use by July 2025.