Technology assessment and process modelling services for industry

Industrial processes are complex, capital-intensive and often unique. New technologies are introduced alongside existing systems, raw materials vary, and requirements for emissions, energy use and resource efficiency are becoming stricter. 

Decisions often need to be made before everything can be tested or measured in practice. This is the case when evaluating a new technology, designing a process, modifying an existing plant or troubleshooting performance issues. The risks can be significant, especially when investments are large or the solution is not yet proven at scale.  

Process modelling and independent technology assessment help reduce this uncertainty by giving you a clear, objective view of how a process or technology will behave before you commit. 

VTT supports industrial projects at different stages, from early concept evaluation to detailed analysis of individual process units and full-scale systems. We work with a wide range of process industries, particularly with complex and energy-intensive sectors such as pulp and paper, chemicals, metals and mining.  

We collaborate with both industrial companies and investors, combining modelling, techno-economic assessment and expertise in chemical and energy engineering. Depending on the case, projects may also include experimental validation and piloting. 

Concept-level evaluation 

At the concept and early development stages, we assess whether a concept or technology is viable and what kind of process it requires. This includes process modelling, mass and energy balances and techno-economic analysis to estimate performance, early-stage costs and key uncertainties, and to support the evaluation of economic feasibility and profitability.

Plant-level analysis and optimisation 

At the system level, we analyse how processes perform. This includes modelling dynamic process behaviour, identifying bottlenecks, evaluating process changes and improving energy and material efficiency to support industrial process optimisation and scale-up decisions.

Detailed modelling of process units 

For critical parts of a process, we develop detailed models of complex units such as reactors, kilns or electrolysers, which often involve multiphysics phenomena such as chemical reactions, phase changes and multiphase flows. These models provide visibility into what happens inside the process, including areas that cannot be directly measured, and allow design options and changes to be tested before physical implementation. This work can be supported by experimental validation and piloting when needed. 

VTT provides independent technology assessment services to support investment and development decisions, particularly in cases where technologies are new, complex or not yet proven at scale. The services include technical due diligence in the context of mergers and acquisitions. 

Evaluate technology performance, risks and scalability 

We assess the technical feasibility, maturity and scalability of novel and first-of-a-kind technologies, as well as their expected performance and cost. This includes analysing process design, modelling system behaviour and comparing the solution against alternative technologies. 

Technical assessments for investors, acquirers and project developers 

Our work supports investors, project developers and industrial companies when evaluating new technologies, acquisitions or major process changes. Depending on the need, the scope can range from a rapid screening based on available data to a more detailed analysis supported by modelling and experimental validation. The assessment supports decision-making by highlighting key risks, identifying critical development needs, evaluating scalability and providing a realistic basis for moving forward. We also provide technical due diligence for industrial and financial investors. 
 

In many cases, technical feasibility alone is not enough. Decisions also depend on market conditions, regulation and the broader operating environment. 

VTT complements modelling and technology assessment services with analysis of relevant markets, regulatory frameworks and value chains. This includes, for example, evaluating how policy developments, security of supply, infrastructure or resource availability affect the viability of a technology or process. This may also include assessing how industrial side streams can be utilised or converted into higher-value products.  

This broader contextual analysis sits alongside the technical work, helping you understand not just whether something is feasible, but whether it is viable in practice. 

To deliver reliable results, we use a combination of industry-standard and VTT-developed modelling and simulation tools, selecting the most suitable approach for each case. Our in-house tools are also available for licensing. 

• Apros® – dynamic system simulation of industrial processes and systems, developed by VTT and Fortum 

• Aspen Plus® – process simulation software for chemical processes  

• Ansys Fluent® – computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling 

• OpenFOAM Foundation – open-source CFD platform with strong expertise at VTT 

• HSC Sim® – process simulation, mass and energy balance modelling 

• VTT-developed tools such as CHEMSHEET, KilnSimu and BALAS 

We combine methods as needed and are not tied to a single platform or application. 

Independent, multidisciplinary expertise 

VTT combines independent research with practical expertise across chemical and energy engineering, advanced modelling and multidisciplinary collaboration. This allows us to address complex, case-specific questions where standard solutions are not enough. 

Adaptable across scales and industries 

Our modelling approaches are built around the problem. In-depth understanding of processes and methodology, combined with source-code-level access, allows us to tackle unusual, first-of-a-kind and cross-disciplinary challenges that standard approaches cannot easily handle.  

These modelling services can be complemented by analysing the role and performance of the studied process in regional or national energy systems, and by evaluating the climate, environmental and sustainability impacts of the process through life cycle assessment (LCA). 

Supporting the transition to low-carbon industry 

Our work focuses on technologies that enable the transition to low-carbon, resource-efficient and resilient industry, such as carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), electrification and the utilisation of industrial side streams. Thanks to our multidisciplinary team of experts, we can also bring in expertise in hydrogen-related technologies, energy system integration, grid development and technology, district heating and much more. 

From analysis to real-world implementation 

We provide objective analysis focused on what works in practice, helping you make sound decisions, reduce risk and move technologies from concept to industrial implementation.