🇫🇮 LUT University’s new P2X research facility completed

LUT University has completed its largest ever development project for laboratory and digital infrastructure on the Lappeenranta campus. The new laboratories study Power-to-X technologies, such as carbon dioxide recovery and the production of hydrogen and synthetic fuels.

“The green transition and the P2X technology that supports it present an enormous opportunity for Finnish industry and companies in South-East Finland. Our new laboratories enable experimental research in this field and promote commercial breakthroughs,” says Pertti Kauranen, energy storage professor at LUT University.

Finland has a distinct advantage in the P2X business because it can cost-efficiently increase renewable electricity production and recover bio-based carbon dioxide from forest industry emissions for further processing.

Three new P2X laboratories

The research infrastructure includes three new laboratories. Some of the testing equipment has been developed and built at LUT University, and everything is brand new. The design and realisation of the laboratory facilities, software, and measuring instruments took roughly two years and four million euros.

• The gas laboratory focuses on the development of, for instance, synthetic fuels such as e-methanol and fossil-free kerosene. Their raw materials include carbon dioxide, which can be recovered from industry flue gases and biofuel boiler plants – or even straight from the air.
• The electrochemical laboratory studies the production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis. The research focuses on the electrical operation of electrolysers, which affects the efficiency and controllability of the production process.
• Raising the voltage level is essential in the development of power electronics. It can be examined safely in separate container buildings, which can house electrolysers with larger cell stack systems.

“Our experimental research supports the development of P2X business and process efficiency extensively. We collaborate with Finnish and international component manufacturers, and we are also testing our partner companies’ gauge prototypes,” Kauranen relates.

P2X technology reduces emissions and curbs global warming

The inauguration ceremony of the laboratories on May 27 will be attended by representatives of Finnish business and industries and researchers from Finnish universities. Speakers include Christian Breyer, professor of solar economy at LUT University, and Luca Lietti, professor of chemical engineering at an Italian EULiST partner university.

P2X technologies, such as carbon dioxide recovery, green hydrogen, and the development of synthetic fuels, are key to halting global warming. The new research infrastructure reinforces LUT’s position as one of the field’s leading research communities in Finland and all of Europe. LUT also has several ongoing Research to Business projects aiming for the commercialisation of P2X research.

The P2X infrastructure has been funded by the EU Recovery Fund administered by Business Finland, the EKSP-säätiö foundation, Fortum, UPM, Lappeenrannan Energia, Danfoss, and Vaisala. The project ends on 31 December 2025.

Originally published on 27 May by BotH2nia.

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