Vireon has entered into an agreement to purchase the refueling station venture for Westgass. At the same time, Vireon, Norwegian Hydrogen and Westgass enter into a strategic collaboration for the distribution of hydrogen. “An important and right agreement for all of us,” says Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen and Chairman of the Board of Vireon.

“Westgass has been skilled, and early movers in securing good locations and positions in the market. The fact that we now take over the position they have had in hydrogen refueling stations will therefore strengthen our commitment, where we have a clear ambition to become the leading player in the Nordic region. I am sure that this acquisition will make us an even more attractive partner for transport companies that want to cut their emissions”, says Per Øyvind Voie, CEO of Vireon.

Westgass will focus on distribution

“We have been working on developing refueling stations for hydrogen since we started our hydrogen venture. Now is the right time to hand the portfolio over to Vireon, who are betting heavily on this market. In doing so, we can focus even more strongly on our core business, which is a supplier of hydrogen. We have a clear goal of becoming the leading distributor of hydrogen in the Nordics”, says Arne Åkerlund, Commercial Director at Westgass.

Enters into strategic tripartite cooperation

At the same time as Vireon takes over Westgass’ refueling station investment, Vireon, Westgass and Norwegian Hydrogen are also entering into a strategic tripartite collaboration. The cooperation means that Westgass will be able to assist with the distribution of hydrogen for both Vireon and Norwegian Hydrogen, while Westgass can secure hydrogen for its customers from Norwegian Hydrogen’s production facilities. “We are three companies that have gotten to know each other well and talk well together. We have great respect for each other and for each other’s strengths. We will now seek to make the best possible use of this in the future so that we can provide our respective customers with an even better offer,” says Berge of Norwegian Hydrogen.

“We see that the demand for green hydrogen is now growing strongly. There is not enough existing production of hydrogen in Norway to cover the need. Westgass sees great opportunities in this collaboration, and we look forward to the continuation together with Vireon and Norwegian Hydrogen. It is a win-win: for all three parties, for the customers, and not least for the environment”, concludes Kinar Kent, CEO of Westgass.