Plan to build the largest commercial test facility for hydrogen and ammonia

The three partners Equinor, Skagerak Energi AS and Herøya Industripark AS have plans to build Europe's largest commercial testing facility for hydrogen and ammonia at Herøya in Porsgrunn.

Aligns with national goal

This initiative aligns with Norway's goal to increase land-based value creation by 50% by 2030. Positioned in Grenland, the project leverages existing infrastructure worth 200 million EUR for rapid deployment. 

"Collaborating with SIVA Catapult Program, industry and academia, the facility will drive innovation, offering comprehensive testing capabilities across the hydrogen value chain. Through strategic partnerships, it aims to generate revenue from testing services, consultancy, and R&D collaborations. With ongoing infrastructure development and partnerships in place, Norway is poised to catalyze the transition towards a greener, more sustainable energy future," the partners claim.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this initiative are multifaceted:

• Regional, national and international Focus: The chosen location for this project is Herøya Industrial Park in Grenland in the south of Telemark, which boasts existing infrastructure and strategic advantages conducive to the establishment of a large-scale test facility.
  
  
• Infrastructure Utilisation: Leveraging existing infrastructure valued at 200 million EUR, the project aims for a fast-track realisation process, capitalising on ongoing efforts to establish a dedicated company.
  
  
• Industry Collaboration: Collaborating closely with industry stakeholders and academia, the initiative aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and expertise in hydrogen technology.
  
  
• Market Transformation: By offering unique test facilities for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), integrators, and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the project seeks to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to green alternatives.
  
  
• Technology Development: The establishment of this test facility is expected to catalyse technology development in Norway and attract international research and development activities, positioning the country as a global hub for hydrogen innovation.
  
  
• National Infrastructure: Integrated into the national Research and Development (R&D) infrastructure in cooperation with the Katapult system, the facility will serve as a cornerstone of Norway's efforts to lead the charge towards sustainable energy solutions.
  
  

Text: Tone Brekke   tone.brekke@hipark.no