Norwegian Hydrogen establishes large hydrogen production facility at Port of Hirtshals
One of the leading companies in hydrogen production, Norwegian Hydrogen, will utilize renewable energy from wind turbines at Port of Hirtshals to produce at least 500 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, which will become one of the most important fossil-free fuels in the future. The establishment of the new hydrogen plant fits perfectly into Port of Hirtshals’ strategy to become a hub for the production and consumption of green energy.
Green hydrogen will play a significant role in the green transition as one of the fossil-free fuels with the greatest potential. Now, the Norwegian company Norwegian Hydrogen will establish a hydrogen production facility at Port of Hirtshals. This comes after a consortium received a grant of approximately DKK 67 million from the EU's research and innovation programme Horizon Europe. The goal is to produce at least 500 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.
Norwegian Hydrogen will lead the CONVEY project, aiming to establish an integrated hydrogen ecosystem at Port of Hirtshals. The project will utilize renewable energy from local wind turbines to produce green hydrogen, thereby contributing to carbon removal from energy production. The project includes the construction of a 5 MW electrolysis plant, a large refuelling station for heavy transport, and distribution networks for hydrogen, oxygen, and heat. By focusing on circularity principles, the project ensures that all elements of the process are efficiently and sustainably utilized.
- Norwegian Hydrogen is setting a benchmark for the development of green hydrogen development in the Nordic region. Through the CONVEY project, we aim to significantly contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon economy throughout in the entire region, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship in the hydrogen sector," says Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen
Port of Hirtshals has been working towards establishing hydrogen production on-site, and it is therefore particularly gratifying that Norwegian Hydrogen will build a facility at the port.
- We have a clear ambition to become a hub for the production and consumption of green energy. Therefore, the establishment of a large hydrogen facility at the port aligns perfectly with our strategy. The agreement with Norwegian Hydrogen signifies another step towards becoming the greenest port in Europe, says Per Holm Nørgaard, CEO of Port of Hirtshals.
Collaboration is crucial for green transformation
In addition to Norwegian Hydrogen and Port of Hirtshals, several other partners are involved in the collaboration on hydrogen production project in Hirtshals. Each partner will contribute their expertise in hydrogen production, logistics, transport, and energy system optimization.
- It is exactly this type of collaboration that we prioritize in our efforts to expand Port of Hirtshals’ position as one of the leading ports in Europe when it comes to green fuel production. If we all contribute with our expertise, we can go a long way, and we are already collaborating with a number of companies on green energy solutions at the port, says Per Holm Nørgaard.
At the EU's Clean Hydrogen Partnership, which aims to accelerate the development and implementation of green hydrogen technologies in Europe, there are also high expectations for the new facility in Hirtshals and the interdisciplinary collaboration. The experiences gained from Hirtshals will be leveraged for similar projects in the future.
- With its strategic maritime location, CONVEY is an iconic project which integrates local renewable electricity, using the benefits of hydrogen to decarbonize logistics around the port and greening its local economy. I am proud that CONVEY is now part of our family of Hydrogen Valleys, says Mirela Atanasiu, Acting Executive Director for the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
Port of Hirtshals is actively planning for the upcoming port expansion, aiming to attract more companies specializing in the production of environmentally friendly fuels for shipping, Power-to-X, or other green technologies.
- I am convinced that Norwegian Hydrogen will be joined by several other companies that can see the benefits of establishing themselves at the port and contributing to the green transition by developing the technologies that are essential for achieving our green goals, says Per Holm Nørgaard.
In addition to Norwegian Hydrogen and Port of Hirtshals, the following companies are part of the consortium:
- Vireon will develop and operate a fueling station for heavy-duty trucks at Hirtshals Transport Center.
- Greenport North supports the project with expertise in port development and sustainability.
- Hirtshals Transport Center contributes its logistics and transportation expertise, crucial for establishing the fueling station and distributing hydrogen to end-users.
- Biomega will demonstrate the practical benefits of green hydrogen by replacing natural gas in their industrial activities. Hydrogen will be delivered through a dedicated pipeline connecting their facilities directly to the electrolysis plant, representing a significant step towards minimizing the industry's CO2 emissions.
- Onnest (previously Lancar Nutri) will explore the use of oxygen and heat in aquaculture and showcase the various applications of the project's by-products.
- Vendelbo Spedition will demonstrate the use of heavy hydrogen trucks and contribute expertise in logistics and transportation.
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland contributes scientific research and technological development focusing on modeling and optimizing the integrated energy ecosystem.
- Next Consult collaborates with VTT to implement heuristic plant modelling platform for operating and optimizing the overall energy ecosystem, providing software solutions and analytical expertise.
- Hydrogen Valley is a consulting firm specialized in hydrogen applications and EU-funded projects.
About Norwegian Hydrogen
Norwegian Hydrogen AS builds and operates a comprehensive network of production sites and distribution systems for green hydrogen throughout the Nordics, tailored to meet the future requirements for zero-emission energy in a wide range of mobility and industrial segments. Norwegian Hydrogen is establishing the production of green hydrogen throughout the Nordics and will soon start production at its facility in Denmark.
The company is supported by a group of strong industrial owners, including Mitsui, & Co., Ltd, Fortescue, Flakk Group, Hexagon Purus, Hofseth International, and Tafjord Kraftproduksjon.
Their fully owned subsidiary Vireon is the leading hydrogen refueler for heavy-duty transportation in the Nordics, currently developing and building infrastructure across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
Norwegian Hydrogen’s head office is in Ålesund, Norway, and they also have offices in Oslo, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Stockholm.