Next generation logistics being built in Oulu – Finland's first hydrogen truck
The University of Oulu, the Education Consortium OSAO, and Oulu University of Applied Sciences have initiated a collaboration within a green transition project that concretely integrates research, development, and education.
One of the most significant investments in this project is Finland’s first hydrogen truck, which will be tested for its suitability and role in the logistics chain. OSAO, in collaboration with the University of Oulu, will study the truck’s functionality and adaptability for various transport tasks.
“Hydrogen and electric-powered heavy transport are seen as having a huge impact on achieving carbon neutrality goals. We are currently exploring hydrogen truck options for the acquisition planned for next year,” says Marjaana Komi, Project Manager responsible for the VISIOK – Advancing the Green Transition in Education project at OSAO.
These investments support the shared goals of the University of Oulu, OSAO, and Oulu University of Applied Sciences to develop environmentally friendly logistics. Transitioning heavy vehicles to alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen or electricity, will effectively advance Finland’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030.
“The hydrogen truck is a tangible example of how we can combine research, education, and sustainability goals,” says Jouni Juntunen, Docent and University Researcher in Supply Chain Management at the University of Oulu Business School.
“Renewable fuels are not only an environmental issue but also an economic one. If we fail to be among the first to succeed in the green transition, our international economic competitiveness will collapse due to significantly lower logistics costs elsewhere in Northern Europe. Given Finland's long geographical expanse, this is especially emphasized in Northern Finland.”
New Learning Environments Preparing Future Experts
In addition to investments in alternative energy sources, the collaboration between the three organizations is developing digital and augmented reality learning environments for heavy equipment maintenance and repair, the forestry sector, and internal logistics management. Skills needs and market conditions are being assessed in cooperation with companies.
“Companies are largely moving towards automated systems and robotics in internal logistics. Our learning and demonstration environments, as well as our training programmes, must respond to the changing skill requirements,” notes Project Coordinator Kalle Nuortimo from Oamk.
Learning environments updated with the latest technologies will be implemented in new types of multidisciplinary training, promoting employment and business opportunities in green transition sectors. These learning environments will also be widely used for research purposes.
The three-year project, coordinated by OSAO, has received funding from the Northern Ostrobothnia Regional Council through the European Regional Development Fund and the Northern Ostrobothnia ELY Centre through the European Union’s Just Transition Fund (JTF).
The project was prepared as part of the Oulu Innovation Alliance cooperation, with the City of Oulu / BusinessOulu serving as a co-financier. The total budget for the project is over 4 million euros.