Norwegian Hydrogen has reached a milestone at its Hellesylt site, successfully producing the first grams of green hydrogen. The project is now in its final commissioning phase, with full-scale production expected to start within weeks.
The Hellesylt plant, developed and operated by Norwegian Hydrogen, utilizes local hydropower sources to produce green hydrogen. This facility aims to support zero emissions in the Geiranger World Heritage Fjord and cater to a wider regional demand. The first batches of hydrogen will be supplied to companies like Veidekke, Cyan Energy, Skulebas, and Vireon.
The plant’s projected maximum output of 1.3 tons of green hydrogen per day is a noteworthy achievement for Norway. However, when compared to global benchmarks, the scale remains modest. For instance, large-scale hydrogen facilities like those being developed in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project are expected to produce upwards of 650 tons per day. This puts Hellesylt’s production capacity into perspective, highlighting the varying scales of hydrogen projects globally.
The Hellesylt facility’s integration with local hydropower is commendable, ensuring the production of truly green hydrogen. This aligns with global best practices, such as those seen in Iceland’s geothermal-hydrogen projects, which similarly leverage abundant renewable resources. However, the scalability of such integrations can be limited by regional renewable energy capacities, posing a challenge for broader application.
Norwegian Hydrogen has appointed Kåre Nerem as the Operations Manager for the Hellesylt plant. With extensive experience in hydrogen technology, Nerem is well-equipped to oversee the transition to full production. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in optimizing operations and ensuring the facility’s success.
The Hellesylt plant represents a significant step in Norway’s green energy transition. It not only contributes to reducing emissions in the Geiranger Fjord but also positions the region as a pioneer in green hydrogen production. The opening of a high-capacity hydrogen refueling station through Vireon is particularly notable, as it addresses the needs of the heavy-duty mobility segment—a crucial area for decarbonization efforts.
While the immediate regional impact is clear, the long-term economic viability of the project will depend on market demand and competitive pricing. The initial order interest and strategic partnerships are positive indicators. However, sustaining and expanding these partnerships in a competitive global market will require continuous innovation and cost management.
Government policies and incentives will play a critical role in the project’s success. Norway’s supportive regulatory framework for renewable energy projects is advantageous, but consistent and long-term policy support is necessary to foster sustained growth and investment in green hydrogen infrastructure.
