Finland, Tampere: Hitachi Energy has signed an agreement with Nordic Ren-Gas to deliver an integrated electrification solution for a synthetic e-methane production facility in Tampere.
The solution will include power and distribution transformers, together with 145 kV SF₆-free EconiQ gas-insulated switchgear, as well as grid connection and power quality technologies. Hitachi Energy said the system-based approach is designed to provide reliable power supply and stable operation for the Power-to-Gas production process.
Construction of the facility has started, with commercial operation scheduled for 2029. The plant will produce renewable synthetic e-methane and district heating, using green hydrogen as an intermediate input in the production process.
According to Hitachi Energy, annual e-methane production will be sufficient to fuel approximately 500 heavy-duty trucks. The district heating generated by the facility could cover the annual heat consumption of around 35,000 two-room apartments.
The project also reflects the move away from SF₆ in high-voltage switchgear. The company noted that European regulations are gradually restricting the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases in switchgear applications, with a phase-out scheduled across different voltage levels in the coming years.
Nordic Ren-Gas is developing the Tampere plant as part of a production and distribution chain for renewable Power-to-X fuels for transport.
Source: Hitachi Energy
