Norwegian Hydrogen wins the EU Hydrogen Bank auction for its green hydrogen project at Rjukan in Norway. EU has offered to support the project with up to EUR 13.2 million.

This marks a significant step forward in the European Union’s ambition to scale up green hydrogen production and decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like maritime transport.

Norwegian government agency Innovation Norway has also decided to support the Rjukan project with NOK 50 million in grants and a green growth loan of NOK 50 million.

“We are beyond excited. The funding from the EU Innovation Fund and Innovation Norway strengthens our commitment to deliver green hydrogen to our customers. We are among the very few players in the industry already producing green hydrogen for customers across the entire Nordic region. We look very much forward to increasing our capacity significantly through the Rjukan project,” said Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen.

Statements from the Norwegian Government in response to EU Hydrogen Bank support to Norway:

“This is an important step in the work to cut emissions, build new industry, and create new jobs. The green transition is moving forward, and Norway has a strong collaboration with the EU to find new solutions and technologies,” said Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.

“We have ambitions to contribute to the development of future hydrogen value chains in cooperation with the EU. The auction scheme provides Norwegian players with a valuable opportunity to gain access to a growing European market and strengthen their position in new, green value chains,” said Norwegian Minister of Energy Terje Aasland.

Statements from Innovation Norway related to their grant and green growth loan to Norwegian Hydrogen at Rjukan:

“This is very exciting. The market for green hydrogen is still new and in its early stages, but the potential could be huge. By helping to finance this project, we are contributing to positioning Norwegian industry in a sector that could become crucial for succeeding with the green transition,” said Håkon Haugli, CEO of Innovation Norway

“We have worked with Norwegian Hydrogen since they took their first small steps into the Hydrogen industry.  It is exciting to see how they have succeeded in building a position as a key player in the development of a green hydrogen value chain with international ambitions from their base in Norway,” says Helge Gjerde, Regional Director of Innovation Norway.

The grant agreement with EU is planned to be signed later this year.