Norway Fuels Green Shipping Revolution with Multi-Million Euro Hydrogen Hubs

Oslo, Norway – November 10, 2025 – Norway is doubling down on its commitment to a hydrogen-powered future with the official launch of green hydrogen production facilities in Kristiansund and Slagentangen. Backed by significant investment – including over €25 million in funding from Enova – and powered by renewable energy sources, these projects are poised to accelerate the decarbonization of Norway’s crucial maritime sector and solidify the nation’s position as a global leader in hydrogen technology.

Nel ASA, a leading provider of electrolyzer technology, has secured a contract with GreenH, the developer of the hubs, to supply the core infrastructure for both locations. The agreement, announced today, will see Nel provide electrolyzers with a minimum capacity of 10 MW per site, totaling over 20 MW of clean hydrogen production capacity.

“These projects represent a critical step forward in realizing Norway’s ambitious climate goals,” said a representative from the Ministry of Climate and Environment. “Hydrogen is a key component of our strategy to reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors like shipping and heavy industry.”

A Strategic Investment in Maritime Decarbonization

The decision to focus on maritime decarbonization is particularly strategic. Norway boasts one of the world’s largest shipping fleets and a thriving port infrastructure. The country recognizes the urgency of transitioning this sector to cleaner fuels and sees hydrogen as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

The Kristiansund facility, strategically located at Vestbase – one of Norway’s busiest maritime hubs – will be ideally positioned to supply hydrogen directly to ships, enabling a seamless transition to zero-emission fuel. The Slagentangen facility, near Tønsberg, aims to serve the Oslofjord region and further expand the availability of green hydrogen along the Norwegian coast.

“The proximity of these hubs to key maritime infrastructure is crucial,” explained a renewable energy analyst. “It minimizes transportation costs and logistical challenges, making green hydrogen a more competitive and attractive option for ship owners.”

Beyond Shipping: A Network of Distributed Hydrogen Hubs

While maritime transport is the initial focus, these projects are envisioned as part of a broader network of distributed hydrogen hubs across Norway. GreenH aims to establish multiple facilities strategically located near industrial centers and transportation corridors, creating a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem.

“Our vision is to build a network of interconnected hubs that can supply green hydrogen to a wide range of sectors,” said a representative from GreenH. “This will not only reduce emissions but also create new economic opportunities and strengthen Norway’s energy security.”

Investment & Ownership Landscape

The financing for these projects is a testament to the growing confidence in the hydrogen economy. Enova, the Norwegian state-owned enterprise responsible for promoting clean energy, has committed significant funding through its “Hydrogen Production for Maritime Transport 2027” program. This program aims to establish a fully functional hydrogen value chain for maritime shipping by 2027.

GreenH has also secured investment from a consortium of Norwegian and international investors, including SWEN, Luxcara, and Grieg New Energy. This diverse ownership structure demonstrates the broad appeal of the hydrogen opportunity and the commitment of both public and private stakeholders.

“The involvement of both domestic and international investors is a positive sign,” noted a financial analyst specializing in renewable energy. “It indicates that the hydrogen market is maturing and attracting capital from a variety of sources.”

Technology & Sustainability Considerations

The success of these projects hinges on the efficiency and sustainability of the electrolysis technology employed. Nel ASA’s electrolyzers will use renewable electricity – primarily from Norway’s abundant hydropower resources – to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process produces “green hydrogen,” which has a minimal carbon footprint.

“The use of renewable energy is critical to ensuring the sustainability of green hydrogen,” emphasized an environmental scientist. “It’s important to avoid using fossil fuels in the production process, as this would negate the environmental benefits.”

The facilities are also designed to minimize water consumption and environmental impact. GreenH is committed to responsible water management practices and is working to minimize the ecological footprint of its operations.

Challenges & Future Outlook

Despite the promising outlook, several challenges remain. The cost of hydrogen production is still relatively high compared to fossil fuels, and the infrastructure for hydrogen storage and transportation is limited. Furthermore, scaling up production to meet growing demand will require significant investment and innovation.

“The cost of hydrogen is a major barrier to widespread adoption,” said an energy consultant. “Reducing production costs and developing efficient storage and transportation solutions are crucial to unlocking the full potential of hydrogen.”

However, experts believe that these challenges can be overcome through continued investment in research and development, supportive government policies, and growing economies of scale. As the hydrogen market matures and production costs decline, hydrogen is expected to play an increasingly important role in the global energy transition.

The projects in Kristiansund and Slagentangen represent a significant step forward in this direction, positioning Norway as a leader in the hydrogen revolution and paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.