TRONDHEIM, Norway, 9 June 2020: The Norwegian government on May 29 put forward a “Green transition package” of NOK 3.6 billion, SINTEF Energy, one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations, said through a Press release. The investment objective, is to underpin the green transition and use this as the motor for accelerating out of COVID-19’s impact on energy and industry, SINTEF Energy said.

Solutions such as hydrogen, building renovation, batteries, offshore wind, circular economy, green shipping and other forms of green energy are mentioned specifically in the package, SINTEF Energy said. Funding will be provided through public and public-private mechanisms, whereof the bulk will focus on supporting medium- to high-TRL activities supporting industrial competitiveness in emerging solutions, SINTEF Energy said. Following the announcement, a hydrogen strategy was launched, SINTEF Energy said. Norway is following suit of many other European countries, which are also looking into the benefits of a hydrogen economy, being a true cross-sectorial enabler and key for reaching net zero GHG emissions by mid-century.

“Norway’s investment into hydrogen and other green technologies is a good start, but more needs to be done urgently,” said Nils Røkke, Chairman of the Board, European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) and Executive Vice President Sustainability, SINTEF Energy. “Pilots and demo activities are highlighted, but we need to scale initiatives to create change. The hydrogen economy is crucial for Europe and Norway to reach ambitious energy and climate goals. We must dare to invest and take a bet on hydrogen now.”

According to SINTEF Energy, implementing a hydrogen economy would decarbonise the economy and significantly improve Europe’s ability to reach climate goals. When used, hydrogen only emits water, SINTEF Energy said. But for hydrogen to be a low or emission-free energy carrier, it must be produced with no or low emissions, for example by electrolysis using renewable power or from natural gas with CO₂ capture, transport and storage (CCS), SINTEF Energy said. Hydrogen can also support the phase-in of less controllable renewable power and become the preferred option for storing large amounts of energy over longer periods, SINTEF Energy said.

“Hydrogen has exciting opportunities in store for Norway, both as an energy and a technology nation,” Røkke said. “We must seize the opportunity to support the transition towards an emission-free Europe.”