Today the companies announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the intention of developing a partnership for the production and distribution of green hydrogen in northern Norway. Shell and Nordkraft had previously announced a cooperation with the ambition to develop such infrastructure and have invited Linde, a leading industrial gases and engineering company, to join the cooperation and contribute with its extensive technology and experience in the production, processing, and distribution of hydrogen.
The companies will now work together to explore supply of green hydrogen in northern Norway, leveraging their complementary expertise and capabilities in hydrogen production, large scale distribution and storage of liquid hydrogen and renewable energy production.
The Norwegian government has announced ambitious decarbonization plans and the conversion of the Bodø-Røst-Værøy-Moskenes route, Norway’s longest ferry crossing, to green hydrogen represents a significant milestone in their plans.
Shell, Linde and Nordkraft see the Vestfjorden ferry crossing as a unique opportunity to not only decarbonize a significant part of the transportation sector but also develop the world’s first integrated value chain for zero-carbon liquid hydrogen.
The proposed plant is planned located in Fauske municipality. The intention is to develop enough production capacity to serve local customers with hydrogen in addition to the Vestfjorden ferry route, subject to an investment decision by the companies.
Furthermore, the new facility would be contributing to the local economy with the creation of local jobs, and benefits from the proximity to renewable electricity from the grid and good transportation network connecting to Bodø and surrounding area. In addition to the production facility, the development would include a full distribution network, including storage, docking, and loading facilities.
“We believe that hydrogen will play a very important role in the energy transition and to decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors. The cooperation with Nordkraft and Linde combines the best of local and global competence to develop a value chain for liquid hydrogen,” says Managing Director of A/S Norske Shell, Marianne Olsnes.
“We want to contribute to the green shift and more jobs in new industries in the north. Together with Shell and Linde we can create a world leading industrial cluster based on liquid hydrogen,” concludes Eirik Frantzen, CEO of Nordkraft.
“Linde is very pleased to join Shell and Nordkraft in this opportunity,” says Armando Botello, President Europe North, Linde. “We have strong ties with the region and the
Linde is a global leader in the production, processing, storage and distribution of hydrogen. It has the largest liquid hydrogen capacity and distribution system in the world. The company operates the world's first high-purity hydrogen storage cavern plus pipeline networks totaling approximately 1,000 kilometers globally, to reliably supply its customers. Linde is at the forefront in the transition to clean hydrogen and has installed approximately 200 hydrogen fueling stations and 80 hydrogen electrolysis plants worldwide. The company offers the latest electrolysis technology through its world class engineering organization, key alliances and partnerships.
From left: Eirik Frantzen (Nordkraft), Armando Botello (Linde) and Marianne Olsnes (Shell).
Photo: Nordkraft