Wärtsilä invests EUR50M in R&D hub for cleaner fuel tech
Wärtsilä has announced a EUR 50 million (USD 54 million) investment to expand its Sustainable Technology Hub (STH) in Vaasa, Finland. The new development will boost the company’s research and development capabilities in marine and energy decarbonisation technologies.
The extension will cover nearly 8,000 square metres and is set to open in 2028. It will support the creation of fuel-flexible engines that can run on future low- and zero-carbon fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol.
“The widely adopted target of reaching net zero in our industries in marine and energy around 2050 is the lifespan of a single vessel or power plant away. Thus, the technology decisions for new assets are being made now. It is therefore crucial for our customers that our solutions are fuel flexible and capable of running on sustainable fuels once these become more broadly available. This new investment in the Sustainable Technology Hub and new R&D testing capabilities will strongly support us in developing engines that can flexibly run on low- and zero-carbon fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol,” said Juha Kytölä, director, R&D and Engineering, Power Supply.
The upgraded facilities will reduce development time, lower testing costs and emissions, and provide room to expand production in the future. Wärtsilä says the investment reflects growing demand for sustainable energy and shipping solutions.
The Sustainable Technology Hub, first opened in 2022, brings together more than 2,000 employees and houses Wärtsilä’s engine production, research labs, a training centre, and a remote monitoring centre. The site receives around 1,000 visitors a month, including customers, industry experts, and government representatives.
The new R&D facilities follow Wärtsilä’s earlier plan to construct a new office building on-site by 2026, which will bring all 3,600 Wärtsilä employees in Vaasa under one roof.
The hub itself is designed to be energy self-sufficient, generating its own power and heat. Waste heat from engine testing is captured and reused to heat the building, and excess electricity is fed back into the grid.
The expansion supports Wärtsilä’s goal to become carbon neutral in its operations by 2030, and to help customers reduce emissions through advanced fuel technologies and innovation.
