Building Norway First LH2 Value Chain
Norwegian Hydrogen has secured thirty one point five million euros from the European Innovation Fund to develop RjukanLH2, a comprehensive liquid hydrogen hub tailored for maritime demand. The project covers production, liquefaction, storage and bunkering, creating a true end to end supply chain within one valley.
Design and Capacity Highlights
When operations commence in twenty twenty eight, the plant will deliver more than three thousand five hundred tonnes of green hydrogen each year. Compared with marine gas oil, vessels burning this fuel can cut emissions by up to ninety nine point eight percent, a transformative step for short sea shipping in Northern Europe.
Insight: Liquefaction as a Strategic Advantage
Few discussions emphasise how onsite liquefaction reduces distribution complexity. Compressing hydrogen locally into liquid form means tankers can transport larger energy volumes at lower pressure, lowering both operating cost and safety barriers at receiving ports. This capability will make remote coastal communities more confident in adopting hydrogen powered ferries.
Economic Ripple Effects
The facility is expected to catalyse a regional ecosystem of shipyards, component suppliers and training institutions. By laying the groundwork for scalable infrastructure, RjukanLH2 positions Norway to export expertise alongside fuel, reinforcing the country maritime leadership in an era of climate conscious trade routes. Early demand is expected from passenger ferries on the Oslofjord as well as offshore service vessels, offering immediate load for the facility and demonstrating practical substitution without compromising operational schedules.
Conclusion
Backed by substantial European funding and a clear technology roadmap, the RjukanLH2 initiative blends innovation with practicality. Its integrated approach promises not only near zero emission voyages but also durable economic benefits for Norwegian coastal regions. Successful delivery could serve as a template for other cold climate nations seeking reliable liquid hydrogen logistics.