The energy sector, alongside maritime transport, aviation and the non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) sectors are pursuing ambitious climate and air quality targets. New fuels and technologies enable emission reductions, while measuring low concentrations requires advanced solutions. The METECH project develops measurement technologies that can reliably detect gaseous and particulate pollutants harmful to climate and air quality, even in challenging field conditions. In this way, the project supports the transition towards a zero-emission future and creates a competitive advantage for Finnish companies.
Ambitious climate targets require accurate monitoring
The energy sector, maritime transport, aviation and the NRMM sectors are essential to global trade and mobility. Due to their operational and safety requirements, they will continue to rely on combustion engines and turbines for the foreseeable future, while steadily reducing emissions through improved efficiency and sustainable fuels. Their climate and air quality targets are ambitious; for example, the maritime sector aims for net zero emissions by 2050. To support these targets, low-emission solutions for maritime transport provide economic benefits, while ships exceeding emission limits are required to purchase compensation units. In addition, the EU’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) regulations require GHG reporting, and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) obliges operators to purchase emission allowances.
New engines, fuels and exhaust aftertreatment technologies enable low emissions, but measuring them is challenging; especially when measuring new emission components at very low concentrations in field conditions. In addition to carbon dioxide (CO₂), future regulations will also limit strong greenhouse gases such as methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), whose climate impacts are high. Methane’s global warming potential is 28 times higher, and nitrous oxide’s 273 times higher than that of carbon dioxide. Even small concentrations are significant, and emissions trading has major economic implications for Finnish companies.
Improving air quality and new methods for assessing emissions
Alongside reducing greenhouse gases and climate impacts, it is crucial to minimise health risks by improving air quality. Exhaust aftertreatment technologies are effective, but their optimisation requires accurate measurements of low concentrations of for example ammonia (NH₃) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂). Measuring ultrafine particles and black carbon emissions is also critical, as they are particularly harmful to health.
“It is also important to consider secondary aerosols formed in the atmosphere from gaseous compounds emitted by traffic, in order to understand the full impact of emissions,” emphasises Principal Scientist Hilkka Timonen from Finnish Meteorological Institute.
With new fuels, traditional emission assessment methods are not always suitable; for example, hydrogen and ammonia fuels require new methods for determining exhaust gas flow rates.
The METECH project carries out unique emission measurement campaigns under real operating conditions
The project develops precise measurement technologies and quantifies emissions to understand how new fuels and emission reduction technologies affect the entire chain: from local emissions to atmospheric impacts. The developed measurement methods must function reliably in challenging field conditions, not only in laboratories.
“Within the METECH project, we develop and validate new measurement methods that enable accurate and reliable measurements with new fuels and advanced aftertreatment technologies. This ensures that the technologies support both climate and air quality targets simultaneously,” says VTT’s Principal Scientist Päivi Aakko-Saksa.
Accurate measurements bring competitive advantages to Finnish companies
Verifying low-emission technologies offers significant benefits for Finnish companies: it supports progress towards climate targets, improves air quality and creates new business opportunities. For measurement device manufacturers, products that meet market needs strengthen competitiveness, and the acceptance of measurement technologies in regulations further expands markets.
“This work is supported by ensuring consistency between field and laboratory measurement results,” says Professor Topi Rönkkö from Tampere University.
"Accurate measurement methods are vital for developing low‑emission engines and effective exhaust aftertreatment systems. METECH unites broad expertise from research and industry. The project's results can be utilised in Wärtsilä’s engine and aftertreatment development work," says Kenneth Widell, Wärtsilä’s General Manager in Research Coordination and Funding.
Further information
- VTT: Päivi Aakko-Saksa, Principal Scientist, [email protected],
+358 40 720 7846 - VTT: Kati Lehtoranta, Principal Scientist, [email protected],
+358 40 723 6703 - TAU: Topi Rönkkö, Professor, [email protected], +358 40 198 1019
- FMI: Hilkka Timonen, Principal Scientist, [email protected],
+358 50 380 2864
The three-year METECH project, funded by Business Finland, involves the following partners: VTT, Tampere University, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Wärtsilä Finland Oy, Proventia Oy, Gasmet Technologies Oy, Dekati Oy, Pegasor Oy, Airmodus Oy, Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY), AGCO Power Oy and Maurus Oy. The project, coordinated by VTT, has a budget of EUR 1.6 million.
The project is part of Wärtsilä’s WISE Veturi programme.
