The Mustikkakangas green hydrogen refinery project launched by VetyAlfa Oy has progressed to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedure. The EIA programme was published on 19 March 2026 and presented on 25 March in a public event attended by a large number of local residents and others interested in the project.
VetyAlfa’s refinery project is located in the municipality of Utajärvi, some 60 km south-east from the city of Oulu. The project was started in 2024 and it aims for a maximum of 180,000 tonnes of hydrogen production per year. The plan is to enable the further processing of hydrogen in the value chain up to the production of synthetic fuels.
At the public event, questions were asked about jobs and other benefits brought by the project. Antti Tanskanen, CEO of VetyAlfa Oy, said that the refinery is very important for the well-being of the municipality, as the refinery would create an estimated 120 permanent jobs. In addition, the direct employment impact of an extensive network of subcontractors is many times greater. Bearing in mind also the families of the refinery employees who move to the locality, with their own skills and service needs.
The safety issues of the project and the impact of the refinery on the value of the properties were of interest to the participants of the event. According to Tanskanen, safety issues will be assessed and resolved in connection with the EIA study. “And when it comes to real estate, I see the refinery project creating value for the property. With new jobs, the vitality of the locality will be strengthened, which will contribute to the value of the properties.”
Reija Knuutila, Business Director of VetyAlfa and CEO of the Blueberry Field H2X project company established for the project, reminded that the project also requires a separate chemical safety permit, in the processing of which safety issues will be assessed.
Knuutila emphasised the importance of ensuring that permitting and zoning processes are carried out carefully, yet efficiently. She noted that the project is competing with similar international investments, and that the progress of permitting and zoning is one of the key factors monitored by financiers.
The public event was also interested in the reasons why Utajärvi was chosen as the target municipality of the large project. Antti Tanskanen reminded that the area is very interesting in terms of both the electricity network and other infrastructure. Fingrid’s networks, rail connection, water supply and, of course, the region’s numerous wind power and solar energy projects attract operators in the green transition.
“Of course, the municipality’s willingness to support projects with its own actions is also a significant factor,” Tanskanen said.
At the event, it was also asked how the municipality intends to secure housing for the refinery’s employees. The topic is being planned in the municipality and also depends on the progress of other factory projects in the area.
The EIA programme for the Mustikkakangas hydrogen refinery is available for viewing at the address ao. until 17.4.2026, by which time it is also possible to submit opinions. The programme statement will be issued one month after the end of the exhibition period.
Further information:
Antti Tanskanen, CEO of Alfa Group and CEO of VetyAlfa, tel. +358 44 977 0409
Reija Knuutila, Business Director of VetyAlfa and CEO of Blueberry Field H2X Oy, tel. +358 50 379 3735