Calls for a Norwegian hydrogen strategy
Stein Kvalsund, CEO of Ocean Hyway Cluster, calls for the Norwegian hydrogen strategy to be launched:
CEO of Ocean Hyway Cluster, Stein Kvalsund
“We need a clear hydrogen strategy in Norway. It was a year ago that the government announced a such a strategy before Easter – yet it still doesn’t exist. We need measures such as being prioritised in the Norwegian state budget and incentive schemes. County municipalities announcing zero emission tenders should receive support. Maritime pilot projects will generate rapid learning and should be supported. It is also about developing the commercial market. Hydrogen must be available on a large scale.
We see that globally and in the EU, they look at initiatives and incentives in a completely different way than we do in Norway. We are putting pressure on, but to no avail. According to statistics, a seat on an express boat has up to four times more emissions than a seat on an airplane. We must do something about this. The technical solutions exist. They reduce emissions. It's about willingness to invest. It is important to find actors who are willing to drive investment in hydrogen for ships. It is costly to develop new technology and the industry cannot foot the bill alone.
The international focus on hydrogen is large. As Ocean Hyway Cluster sees it, Norway has a fantastic opportunity for developing technology and solutions related to hydrogen that can be exported globally. Norway has the advantage of having access to green energy and world-leading players who have the knowledge and expertise. We have actors who can produce and supply hydrogen. Now it is important to have a hydrogen strategy in place”
The Norwegian journal Skipsrevyen has forwarded Ocean Hyway Cluster’s call to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, who replied on behalf of the government: “We have an ambition that this will happen before the summer”, says communication adviser Margrete Løbben Hanssen (Source: Larsen, Sigbjørn. “- Hvor blir det av regjeringens hydrogenstrategi?”. Skipsrevyen. 12.02.20).
