Vireon is set to construct Finland’s first large-scale green H₂ refueling station in Jyväskylä. The announcement is significant, as 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 (CEFMOF) 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 H₂ infrastructure.

"Jyväskylä’s central location, combined with strong collaboration with Cefmof and the City, makes it an ideal starting point for our H₂ infrastructure," said 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 H₂-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 H₂ as a clean energy source.

In conjunction with the refueling station, the first green H₂-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 H₂-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," said 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 H₂ refueling station and the launch of the H₂ bus pilot are excellent starts for building a green H₂ ecosystem in Jyväskylä."

Jyväskylä will pioneer the use of green H₂-powered buses in Finland by 2025. The pilot project will integrate five green H₂-fueled buses into the city’s public transportation fleet, supported by a new H₂ refueling station. This initiative will test the performance of green H₂ buses under northern conditions, contributing to sustainable urban transport. 

“We are promoting carbon neutrality through various projects utilizing green H₂, 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,” said Haruka Arai Executive 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 H₂ buses set to enter test use by July 2025.