Norwegian companies Dalane Energi and Hydrogen Solution (HYDS) have launched a new hydrogen production facility at the Port of Egersund as part of the EU-funded ROBINSON H2020 project. The official inauguration of the hydrogen plant took place at the Grand Hotell Eigersund on 8 February in the presence of various industrial, political and scientific stakeholders, including Norwegian Minister of Industry Jan Christian Vestre.

This is the first facility in Rogaland to use renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen for commercial use. Construction of the hydrogen plant was completed in 2023. Danish company Green Hydrogen System supplied the electrolyzers through its Norwegian partner Liquiline.

Once the ROBINSON project is completed in autumn 2024, Dalane Hydrogen AS will take over the plant. Dalane Hydrogen AS is owned by Dalane Energi AS, Hydrogen Solutions AS (HYDS) and Eigersund Næring og Havn KF.

Supporting the development of the hydrogen industry
The opening of the Egersund port facility was also welcomed by Norway's leading network for hydrogen and ammonia solutions in the marine industry, the Ocean Hyway Cluster. Dalane Energi's CEO, Idar Sønstabø, said, "The green hydrogen market is experiencing rapid and significant growth. The Port of Egersund will be the first location in Rogaland to produce green hydrogen using electricity that is 100% renewable - i.e. from hydro, wind or solar sources. We believe this could be the start of Egersund becoming a strategic hub for hydrogen as a fuel for the shipping industry."

Anne Vigdis Ellingsen, CEO of Egersund Næring og Havn KF, added: "Egersund is well positioned to take advantage of the hydrogen initiative. It is an active port with extensive activity in the maritime sector. The initiative will help to create new opportunities and additional activity, thereby strengthening Egersund's position as a port. We believe this could be the start of Egersund becoming a strategic hub for hydrogen as a fuel for the shipping industry."

Thor Henrik Hagen, CEO of HYDS, added: "Hydrogen will be a major contributor to Norway's success in the transition to renewable energy. For HYDS, the facility will be the second in a row, following the start of production at Stord last year. These two facilities are a major contribution to increasing the availability of green hydrogen for commercial use in Norway."

This is an important step towards the development of the hydrogen industry in Norway and supports its efforts to achieve its sustainable energy and emission reduction targets.

Photo by Norwegian Minister of Industry Jan Christian Vestre and Knut Førland, CEO of Liquiline. Photo source: Peter Tubaas/HYDS