Agder, or more specifically Kristiansand, was recently designated by Enova as one of five national hubs for hydrogen for maritime transportation. Almost simultaneously, GCE NODE and partners were granted funds for a new 3-year project aimed to further develop the hydrogen industry in Agder.
“Based on existing initiatives and running business, our region already has a solid position within hydrogen. This new project will map all regional hydrogen related activities, build relationships between all regional players, and strengthen Agder’s position as a national hydrogen hub,” says Tom Fidjeland, CEO of GCE NODE.
The Norwegian government plans to build a comprehensive value chain within hydrogen, in which production, distribution and are developed in parallel. The establishment of a state-run hydrogen company is also being considered.
“The timing of this project is perfect. By displaying an array of initiatives and promoting unity, Agder can assume a clear position in a future national hydrogen strategy,” says Fidjeland.
In late June, Enova granted NOK 148 million to Greenstat and Everfuel in Kristiansand to produce and sell compressed hydrogen to ships and heavy transportation. By doing so, Kristiansand was designated as one of five national hubs for the supply of hydrogen to maritime transportation. The other four hubs are in Glomfjord, Rørvik, Hitra and Florø.
“There is an obvious demand for hydrogen for the ferries that run to and from Kristiansand, and Kristiansand is also a hub for heavy vehicles which could run on hydrogen,” says Fidjeland.
He will head the Agder Hydrogen project steering committee, which includes Kai Johansen (Glencore Nikkelverk), Svein Are Folgerø (Agder Energi), Gunstein Skomedal (University of Agder), Torstein Thorsen Ekern (Greenstat), Ola Olsbu (Agder County) and Geir A. Haugum (Business Region Kristiansand).
Project partners also include Elkem, NORCE, Kristiansand Chamber of Commerce, Region Kristiansand, Port of Kristiansand, Global Ocean Technology and Umoe Advanced Composite.
The project is funded by Sørlandets Kompetansefond.
