“We are contributing to new investments in hydrogen. When potential customers realize that there will be hydrogen available in Kristiansand by the end of 2026 or early in 2027, it increases the chances for them to come down from their fences.” says Torstein Thorsen Ekern, Head of Business Development at Greenstat.
He stands on the newly prepared ground located at Fiskå Industripark, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Kristiansand. It will be home to a future 20 MW hydrogen factory (phase 1) with plans for an additional 40 MW to be added by the end of 2028 (phase 2).
The groundwork has been finalized. Construction of the production facility and the surrounding infrastructure starts early September. The construction period is expected to be less than one year.
Following commissioning and test runs, the first commercial hydrogen from Kristiansand will hit the market in December 2026.
“Customer dialogue is improving. Conversations are much more concrete now that everyone understands that there will be hydrogen available for sale from our facility in 18 months,” says Ekern.
In addition to the maritime market, hydrogen may be sold to zero-emission vehicles and heavy construction vehicles.
“Our goal is to close sales within the end of the year,” says Ekern.
Greenstat and the factory are pivotal in the Hyvard initiative, which has applied to become an EU Hydrogen Valley. The Port of Kristiansand, Agder County and Kristiansand Municipality are leading the initial phase of a project with a strong consortium, which includes GCE NODE.
“If awarded, an EU Hydrogen Valley could propel the Agder hydrogen industry to a whole new level,” says Ekern.
