NEL ASA has started a feasibility study for large-scale hydrogen production in Norway, which can be exported to the European and Japanese markets.
The project intends to study the viability and allow the planning, construction and operation of a commercial decarbonized hydrogen production, liquefaction and export facility depending on Norwegian fossil and renewable energy sources.
The project, dubbed Hyper, is being developed in conjunction with several other companies and organisations including SINTEF, Statoil, Linde Kryotechnik, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, NTNU and The Institute of Applied Energy.
The project is planned and financed throughout 2019, with a total cost estimated of NOK20m ($2.4m).
So far, it has received a NOK14m ($1.7m) grant from the ENERGIX-programme of the Research Council of Norway, apart from contributions by the project partners.
NEL market development director Bjørn Simonsen said: "The exploration of large-scale hydrogen production in Norway for European and Japanese markets has significant potential.
"We are looking forward to contribute to the project with our world-wide and extensive experience within hydrogen production from renewable energy."
SINTEF energy research chief scientist Petter Nekså said: "Project Hyper gives us a unique possibility to investigate and gain a deeper understanding of the different technological elements and interactions within hydrogen production.
NEL ASA’s main products include hydrogen generators and hydrogen refueling stations.
The company’s hydrogen generators, based on water electrolysis, are developed and supplied to industry and energy/refueling applications.