Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has made a final investment decision to develop Finland’s largest industrial-scale biogas facility, named Nivalan Biokaasu, marking a significant step in the country’s transition toward renewable energy. The project will produce liquefied renewable natural gas (bioLNG) and is being developed in collaboration with local firm Wega.
The plant, to be located in Nivala, is expected to generate over 200 GWh of biomethane annually, an output that could displace approximately 38,000 tonnes of fossil CO₂ emissions each year.
Construction Timeline and Capacity
Once fully operational, the facility will process more than 600,000 tonnes of agricultural and industrial organic waste annually, contributing to both emission reductions and waste management. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with the plant set to be commissioned in the second half of 2027.
Government Support and Strategic Significance
Underlining its importance to Finland’s national energy goals, the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment awarded the project a major capital expenditure grant in 2024. The support reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing energy security, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and fostering rural development through sustainable energy initiatives.
Part of a Growing Bioenergy Portfolio
The investment in Nivalan Biokaasu will be made through CIP’s CI Advanced Bioenergy Fund I (CI ABF I). This is the third project under the fund and the first outside Denmark, signaling CIP’s expanding footprint in the greenfield bioenergy sector across Europe.
Driving Local Impact and Energy Transition
Thomas Dalsgaard, Partner at CIP, described the project as a major milestone for both the fund and its investors.
“We are excited to enter the Finnish bioenergy market with our first investment in Nivalan Biokaasu. It represents a major milestone for our fund and investors and will make a significant contribution to energy security and the green transition, create local jobs, and drive investments across the agricultural sector and surrounding rural communities,” he said.
Dalsgaard also noted that CIP looks forward to working closely with local farmers and authorities as the project progresses.
Financial Details Undisclosed
While the total investment amount has not been disclosed, the project is positioned as a cornerstone in Finland’s growing renewable energy infrastructure and represents a key pillar in CIP’s broader bioenergy investment strategy.
