Norway

Green Hydrogen Vision

Norway’s green hydrogen vision is built on its commitment to achieving a low-emission society by leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources, advanced technology, and expertise in energy-intensive industries. As a global leader in sustainability, Norway views green hydrogen as a cornerstone for decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry, maritime transport, and long-haul logistics. The country aims to position itself at the forefront of the hydrogen economy by fostering innovation, developing scalable solutions, and integrating hydrogen technologies into its industrial and energy systems. With a focus on clean hydrogen produced from renewable electricity and natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS), Norway seeks to set global standards for safe and efficient hydrogen production, distribution, and use.

The government emphasises international collaboration to enhance hydrogen technologies while pursuing domestic pilot projects exploring its potential for energy storage, green transport, and industrial applications. Norway’s strategy envisions a seamless integration of hydrogen into its economy, creating new value chains, reducing emissions, and driving sustainable growth. Norway aims to become a key player in the global hydrogen market by focusing on innovation, public-private partnerships, and regulatory frameworks, showcasing how green hydrogen can catalyse the energy transition. 

National Strategy

The 2020 Norwegian Hydrogen Strategy aims to position hydrogen as a central pillar in the country's transition to a low-emission society by 2050. Recognizing hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier with potential applications across multiple sectors, the strategy highlights its importance for decarbonizing industries where direct electrification is challenging. The government emphasizes the production of clean hydrogen—either via renewable electricity through electrolysis or using natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS). Priority areas include heavy manufacturing, maritime and heavy road transport, and the energy sector, where hydrogen can act as fuel and energy storage solutions. Norway’s extensive expertise in natural gas, renewable energy production, and maritime industries uniquely positions the country to leverage hydrogen for economic growth and global competitiveness. 

The strategy identifies the need for innovation, pilot projects, and scaling technologies to foster development. Public and private sectors are encouraged to collaborate, mainly through initiatives like PILOT-E, to create comprehensive hydrogen supply chains. The government supports research and development through funding agencies such as Enova, Innovation Norway, and the Research Council of Norway, focusing on enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen technologies. Moreover, public procurements, such as hydrogen-powered ferries and transport solutions, are key innovation drivers. Safety standards and regulatory frameworks are also prioritized to facilitate the adoption of hydrogen solutions while ensuring operational security. 

International cooperation is a cornerstone of the strategy, as most technological advancements and demand for hydrogen will emerge beyond Norway. By participating in initiatives such as the EU’s Clean Hydrogen Alliance and leveraging Norway’s robust infrastructure for CO2 storage, the country seeks to contribute to the global hydrogen economy. Norway also plans to align its hydrogen strategy with broader European goals, such as the European Green Deal, positioning itself as a leader in hydrogen production and usage while advancing towards ambitious climate targets. The strategy underscores hydrogen's role in reducing emissions, driving economic growth, and enhancing Norway’s energy resilience. 

Capacity Targets

The Norwegian government prioritizes clean hydrogen produced through renewable energy (electrolysis) or carbon capture and storage (CCS) for natural gas reforming. While large-scale hydrogen production is feasible using existing technologies, the focus is reducing production costs and increasing energy efficiency. Norway also emphasizes pilot and demonstration projects to develop transport, maritime applications, and heavy industry technologies, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources and expertise in natural gas and CCS. The strategy highlights integrating hydrogen into energy-intensive industries and maritime operations as a fuel alternative for vehicles and vessels. 

Impact Targets

Norway aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90–95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, with a near-term goal of reducing emissions by 50–55% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. Hydrogen is positioned as a pivotal technology for decarbonizing sectors with limited electrification options, including shipping, heavy-duty transport, and certain industrial processes. It is also expected to play a key role in Norway's transport sector, which accounts for a third of national emissions, by supporting zero-emission solutions like hydrogen-electric ferries and heavy vehicles. Collaborative projects, both domestic and international, will drive technology development, emissions reduction, and value creation. 

Policy and Project Spotlight

1. On September 18, 2024, Norway's green energy sector celebrated a pivotal achievement with the inauguration of the Hellesylt Hydrogen Hub located in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Geirangerfjord. This event marked the launch of our facility, projected to produce nearly 500 tonnes of green hydrogen each year, aiding various industries in their efforts to decrease carbon emissions. The day was imbued with feelings of success and hope, featuring a picturesque fjord cruise and attended by a prominent group of customers, suppliers, partners, and colleagues within the hydrogen value chain. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre's presence at the ceremony highlighted the Norwegian government's dedication to building a strong hydrogen value chain both at home and abroad. He participated in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside CEO Jens Berge and Chairman of the Board Knut Flakk, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for green energy in the region. 
2. Greenstat has started building its 20 MW green hydrogen production facility at Fiskå in Rogaland County, Norway. This plant is a key part of the Agder Hydrogen Hub in Kristiansand, which the company is optimistic about. The construction is projected to last two years. The Norwegian firm aims to provide green hydrogen to meet the needs of the maritime, heavy transport, and construction machinery sectors in the region by 2026. This project represents the first phase of the company’s hydrogen hub in Kristiansand. According to media reports, construction on the second phase has already commenced, with the potential capacity expansion of an additional 40 MW. 

Financing

The Norwegian government supports hydrogen development through significant funding for research, innovation, and pilot projects. Initiatives like the PILOT-E scheme, administered by the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway, and Enova, aim to create complete supply chains and energy-efficient hydrogen value chains.  

For example, NOK 71 million has been allocated to fund projects developing liquid hydrogen supply infrastructure and sustainable hydrogen ecosystems. Additional funding is directed towards public procurements to promote green technologies, including hydrogen-electric ferries and heavy-duty transport systems, ensuring progress toward a low-emission society while stimulating economic growth and innovation. 

Government Green Hydrogen Lead

Ministry of Climate and the Environment 

Ministry of Energy