Producing green hydrogen by a World Heritage fjord
'Hydrogen is an excellent fit where electrification is difficult, where there is no grid connection or where battery solutions are inadequate. Hydrogen is also an important chemical input in a number of industrial sectors,' says Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen.
«In Hellesylt, we now produce almost 500 tonnes of green hydrogen a year! Although this is a pilot plant, the volume is significant and unique enough for several industrial customers in Norway, Sweden and Finland to have completed their projects with zero emissions using hydrogen produced here.»
Berge explains that there were several reasons for locating production in Hellesylt. In 2018, the Norwegian Parliament decided that the World Heritage areas should be emission-free. This, combined with the large amount of 'stranded power' in Hellesylt – meaning that the area generates more hydropower than it uses or can export – made it a suitable location. Hydrogen production requires a great deal of energy, making the surplus hydropower a vital resource.
The plan was for smaller vessels sailing into the Geirangerfjord to use green hydrogen to meet the new requirements.
- These requirements have since been amended, and maritime operators have not yet switched to hydrogen, so we have had to adapt to the market. We have learned a great deal about the applications of hydrogen from all the projects we have been involved in. Since we began developing the project in Hellesylt, we have also broadened our horizons and established a presence across the Nordic region. Today, we have several projects under development and offices in Ålesund, Oslo, Stockholm and Hirtshals.
Crucial support from us
We have supported the green hydrogen producer throughout its journey and are impressed by what this young company has achieved.
«The green hydrogen market is still emerging and at an early stage, but it has significant potential. Norwegian Hydrogen has the ambition and expertise needed to become a major player in green hydrogen, both in Norway and internationally.»
The company says our support has been crucial:
- Our support has been absolutely crucial in making this happen. We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received and the work that has been done.
The company recently acquired Aker Horizons' hydrogen project in Rjukan. This is just the beginning of the company's next chapter.
'We have an exciting project in Rjukan, where we will produce liquid hydrogen for the shipping sector. We have also recently completed a facility in Denmark, where the hydrogen will be used to produce e-methane,' says Berge.
Making use of by-products
Hydrogen production generates heat and oxygen as by-products, and Norwegian Hydrogen aims to make use of both to support a circular economy and make hydrogen more competitively priced. One of the company's EU-funded projects at the Port of Hirtshals will use hydrogen, surplus heat and oxygen. However, as this is particularly difficult to commercialise, the surplus heat at Hellesylt is used to keep the plant site free of snow and ice during winter.
The Ålesund-based company is driving efforts to make hydrogen a key part of the green transition and works closely with relevant industry clusters such as Ocean Hywaycluster, GCE Blue Maritime, Skift and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.