ISKU – Eastern Finland Towards New Technology and Business with a CCUS Research and Technology Center

The ISKU Project brings together, for the first time, the key energy and bioeconomy experts in Eastern Finland to develop solutions for biogenic carbon dioxide capture and utilization (BECCUS/CCUS) and to create the conditions for their commercial deployment. The project focuses on regional biogenic CO₂ sources and their integration into new, high value‑added chemical and material applications.

The project will produce a comprehensive overview of the biogenic CO₂ potential in Eastern Finland, with an emphasis on the quantity, quality, and availability characteristics of CO₂. At the same time, it will assess the suitability of different CO₂ capture technologies for biogenic sources and examine the performance of a selected capture technology in a real operational environment in Eastern Finland. The ISKU project will also explore and demonstrate new types of high value‑added bio‑based applications, such as biochar‑based battery materials. In addition, the project will investigate alternative reaction pathways for converting biogenic CO₂ and green hydrogen into chemicals and materials that serve regional industry. Overall energy efficiency will be advanced by analysing the potential for utilizing waste heat from green hydrogen production, using municipalities and regional energy actors in Eastern Finland as case examples.

ISKU integrates the laboratory infrastructures and learning environments of the consortium partners into a single entity that serves Eastern Finland. This shared platform will be used not only for research, development, and innovation activities but also for educating future professionals through engineering degree programmes at universities of applied sciences and master’s programmes at universities. A key project outcome is the development of a vision, mission, and strategy for a joint Eastern Finland research and technology Centre dedicated to biogenic CO₂ capture and utilization. An associated regional business and competence network will also be established around this Centre.

As a result, Eastern Finland will strengthen its position as a hub for renewable energy, circular economy, and carbon‑neutral industrial development. The project will provide companies with a unique environment for developing, testing, and demonstrating industrial‑scale carbon capture and utilization solutions.