Norway - A Century of Pioneering Hydrogen Technologies

摘要

Norway has built its economy on exploitation of vast renewable (hydro) and fossil energy resources. During the late 1920s, industrial scale hydrogen production by hydro power based water electrolysis was initiated. The hydrogen was used for fertilizer production, of which Norway still holds the largest producer Yara. Several Norwegian companies have attained internationally leading positions in their area, and some of these have lately received large contracts in the emerging hydrogen economy. Larger Norwegian energy companies are actively engaged in developing new business opportunities within hydrogen. Companies and research institutions have over decades developed strong competence in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, and altogether this paves the road for value creation and Norway to retain its role as a pioneer within hydrogen technologies. The Norwegian government has high ambitions of reducing GHG emissions. Support schemes are put into place to foster early introduction of zero-emission technologies, especially in transport applications. While road applications initially were in focus, we now see a strong trend towards taking hydrogen into use as fuel in maritime sector. Reducing emissions from Norwegian offshore as well as land-based industries is also a key driver for the increasing engagement into hydrogen technologies.