Asahi Kasei to Supply Alkaline Water Electrolyzer for Green Hydrogen Project in Finland
Asahi Kasei, a diversified global manufacturer with decades of experience in electrolysis technologies, will supply its Aqualyzer™-C3, a 1 MW-class containerized alkaline water electrolyzer, to the Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof). This system will play a pivotal role in advancing hydrogen production in Central Finland and supporting the region’s broader decarbonization goals. The electrolyzer is expected to be fully operational by the first half of 2026, with installation beginning in late 2025.
Legacy of Electrolysis Expertise
Asahi Kasei has a long-standing history in the electrolysis sector, beginning with its chlor-alkali electrolysis business in 1975. Drawing on nearly five decades of experience, the company expanded into hydrogen production technologies, culminating in the 2020 deployment of its 10 MW-class Aqualyzer™ system at the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R) in Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The success of that large-scale project helped set the stage for the company’s move into smaller, scalable solutions.
In 2024, the company introduced the Aqualyzer™-C3, a compact, containerized system designed for modular deployment in sizes ranging from 1 to 7.5 MW. This new product line enables Asahi Kasei to meet the growing and diverse requirements of the emerging hydrogen economy, where decentralization and flexibility are key.
Driving a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy in Finland
Cefmof, the recipient of the electrolyzer system, is a Finland-based foundation that accelerates sustainable mobility and urban development through green hydrogen adoption. Founded by the City of Jyväskylä, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, and the Toyota Mobility Foundation, Cefmof promotes practical, real-world applications of hydrogen, including hydrogen-powered transport solutions and supporting infrastructure.
The initiative includes the use of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and hydrogen-powered buses, with a focus on demonstrating hydrogen’s viability in cold-climate regions. By supporting hydrogen use in everyday life, Cefmof aims to build public awareness and facilitate the integration of hydrogen technologies into municipal and commercial mobility systems.
Aqualyzer™-C3: Efficient, Scalable, and Cold-Climate Ready
The 1 MW-class Aqualyzer™-C3 electrolyzer will be installed in Jyväskylä, a city at the heart of Finland’s green mobility transformation. Once operational, the system will be capable of generating enough hydrogen per hour to refuel approximately three FCVs, helping establish the foundation for a functioning local hydrogen economy.
A key advantage of the Aqualyzer™-C3 system is its containerized, modular design, which allows for flexible scalability. Additional units can be easily added to meet growing demand without the need for extensive redesign or new infrastructure. This modularity aligns well with the dynamic nature of hydrogen adoption, which often begins on a small scale and gradually expands as market confidence and consumption grow.
Kenji Takeda, Executive Officer at Asahi Kasei and head of Business Development for the company’s Green Solution Project, emphasized the significance of the deployment:
“This project marks a major step in transitioning our hydrogen business to full commercialization. We are especially proud to demonstrate the robustness of our alkaline water electrolysis system under extreme cold-climate conditions. As a one-stop supplier, we will offer end-to-end support—from installation to operational hydrogen production.”
Haruka Arai, Executive Director of Cefmof, echoed this optimism, highlighting the strategic role the system will play in shaping Finland’s green hydrogen ecosystem:
“This installation will be a cornerstone of the green hydrogen infrastructure in Central Finland. It reflects our long-term vision of a carbon-neutral future and will help make hydrogen a visible and practical part of life in the region.”
Part of a Bigger Hydrogen Vision
The Aqualyzer™-C3 project in Finland is not an isolated initiative. It is part of Asahi Kasei’s broader medium-term management strategy, which classifies hydrogen-related business as a major growth pillar. The company is actively investing in full-scale commercialization, aiming to secure a leadership position in global hydrogen technology markets.
By building on intangible assets like its trusted customer base, advanced ion-exchange membrane technologies, and strong industry relationships developed through the chlor-alkali business, Asahi Kasei is positioning itself as a holistic hydrogen solutions provider. The company is also exploring further collaborations and joint ventures to accelerate its international footprint in the hydrogen space.
