The technology group Wärtsilä is participating in the launch of MatH2, a new multi-sector consortium created to accelerate hydrogen adoption by developing materials and technologies capable of overcoming the challenges associated with its storage, transport, and industrial use. The initiative, driven by Business Finland and led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., seeks to strengthen the hydrogen value chain and facilitate its large-scale implementation.
The project was born in response to one of the main limitations facing the hydrogen economy: the lack of materials that resist embrittlement and corrosion caused by this fuel, factors that affect the reliability of infrastructures such as pipelines, storage tanks, reactors, and processing systems.
MatH2 will develop hydrogen-compatible materials
The consortium’s objective is to create a new portfolio of materials and components capable of operating safely in environments with hydrogen and other essential compounds for this industry. The initiative will also promote technologies that allow these materials to be manufactured with greater economic competitiveness and adapted to industrial applications.
Likewise, MatH2 aims to offer manufacturers and technology developers solutions that improve equipment durability, reduce degradation during service, and increase the reliability of critical components such as welds and conduction systems.
An alliance that brings together the entire value chain
The consortium is being developed within the framework of the WISE (Wide and Intelligent Sustainable Energy) program, led by Wärtsilä and co-funded by Business Finland to promote zero-emission energy solutions.
MatH2 brings together 10 industrial and research partners, representing the entire hydrogen value chain. These include EOS, Neste, Nordic Tank, Teknos, SSAB, Bumax, and SP Stainless, along with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the University of Oulu, who will contribute applied research and technological development capabilities.
Finland seeks to consolidate its position as a leader in the hydrogen economy
The project promoters believe that Finland has favorable conditions to become one of Europe’s main hydrogen hubs due to its availability of low-carbon electricity, consolidated electrical infrastructure, and access to biogenic carbon dioxide for the production of hydrogen derivatives.
According to estimates presented by the consortium, the development of this industry could contribute up to 34 billion euros to Finland’s gross domestic product by 2035, in addition to generating more than 60,000 jobs related to technological development and infrastructure construction.
Wärtsilä expands its commitment to hydrogen
Wärtsilä’s participation in MatH2 joins other recent developments in this area. In early June, the company began validating the first large-scale engine powered 100% by hydrogen to operate connected to a national electricity grid in Bermeo, Spain.
With initiatives like MatH2 and the development of new generation technologies, Wärtsilä seeks to accelerate the availability of solutions that allow hydrogen to be integrated as a competitive and safe energy vector for the industrial and energy sectors.
Source and photo: https://www.wartsila.com/
