New hydrogen facility launched in Egersund, Norway

Dalane Energi and Hydrogen Solution (HYDS) have inaugurated a groundbreaking hydrogen production facility in Egersund harbor.

The official opening ceremony took place at the Grand Hotell Eigersund on February 8, with the attendance of key figures from industrial, political, and scientific sectors, including Norwegian Minister of Industry, Jan Christian Vestre.

– This is significant! If this doesn't inspire hope, I don't know what will, said Vestre, who arrived at the opening in a hydrogen car. For him, February 8th wasn’t just a significant day for Egersund, Rogaland, and Norway, but a significant day for the world.

First of its kind

The facility marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Rogaland to utilize renewable electricity for the production of green hydrogen, intended for commercial purposes. The construction of the hydrogen plant was finalized in 2023 with a price tag of 45 MNOK. The project has received support from various sources, including the EU's ROBINSON project, aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels in island communities.

The facility has a capacity to produce 140 tons of hydrogen annually using 1 megawatt of power, with potential scalability.

Future expansions are planned to increase the facility's capacity from 1 to 6 megawatts, with excess heat and oxygen to be utilized for nearby shrimp farming operations.

Situated in close proximity with the Prima Protein fish feed factory, which is reliant on energy-intensive processes currently powered by gas turbines due to insufficient electricity supply on the island, will be a significant consumer of the green hydrogen produced by the plant.

Unanimous support

Idar Sønstabø, CEO of Dalane Energi, highlighted the growth potential for green hydrogen, emphasizing its role as an energy carrier and its efficiency, particularly for maritime applications.

– The market for green hydrogen is experiencing rapid and significant growth. Egersund harbor will be the first location in Rogaland to produce green hydrogen using electricity that is 100 percent renewable – meaning from water, wind, or solar sources. Hydrogen serves as an energy carrier similar to other gases and has comparable efficiency. This opens up significant opportunities for a harbor strategically positioned for shipping, he said.

Anne Vigdis Ellingsen, as CEO of Eigersund Næring og Havn KF, highlighted the strategic importance of Egersund in the hydrogen endeavor, highlighting its bustling port and robust maritime operations.

Thor Henrik Hagen, CEO of HYDS, emphasized the pivotal role of hydrogen in Norway's transition to renewable energy sources. He noted the experience gained from a similar facility in Stord and the anticipated benefits of increased green hydrogen availability in Norway.

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