Norwegian Hydrogen and PEAB K. Nordang AS have signed a contract for the completion of the Hellesylt Hydrogen Hub, which is expected to play a significant role in the production of green hydrogen in Norway.
The project is set to begin construction in May, with the German company FEST GmbH providing the hydrogen production plant as container modules later this summer.
The Hellesylt Hydrogen Hub project is an important milestone for Norwegian Hydrogen, as it seeks to build experience and expertise in the production and use of zero-emission hydrogen as an energy carrier. It is also a pilot project that will demonstrate local production and use of hydrogen in the Nordic region.
The production plant is expected to be completed by Q4 2023, and the hydrogen will be delivered well before the emission restrictions on the Geirangerfjord come into force in 2026. The project will provide groundwork, paving of the area, necessary concrete foundations, and the establishment of embankment and service buildings, with the exception of the actual hydrogen production plant, which will be delivered by FEST GmbH.
According to Marianne Nærø, Head of Projects in Norwegian Hydrogen, “Getting started with the production of green hydrogen at Hellesylt is a very important milestone for Norwegian Hydrogen, both because we will reach the goal of starting production during this year and because we as a company will build experience and expertise that we will use in other and future projects.”
Bernt Are Lervåg, District Manager at PEAB K. Nordang AS, expressed his pride in being awarded the contract and said that both the company and its subcontractors are looking forward to contributing to realizing this exciting project.
The companies involved are committed to maintaining good dialogue with the local community and will hold an open public meeting before construction starts. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the building and construction industry, and the fact that the first production facility will be in the local area is an encouraging sign.
Despite the positive developments, there are potential challenges surrounding the project. Green hydrogen production is still in its infancy, and the technology involved is not yet fully matured. The cost of production is also relatively high, although it is expected to decrease as the technology improves and production scales up.
