Driving Hydrogen Research

Hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cells have shown tremendous promise as clean energy alternatives. Over time, these could replace fossil fuels in many key industries, such as shipping and urban transportation. Moreover, this could potentially create a complete “hydrogen economy” for Greater Bergen.  

Recognising this, Greater Bergen’s ecosystem is collaborating to advance the research and development of hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cells and cultivate the necessary value chains. With its wealth of knowledge and skilled competence from its offshore and subsea sectors, the region’s assets are well-suited to meet the future demands of this emerging industry.  

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Colourless and colour-coded

Hydrogen, a single element and colourless gas, isn’t naturally found on the earth’s surface (although deposits of natural hydrogen gas can be found within its subsurface). Normally, hydrogen is obtained by extracting it from other elements, such as water or fossil fuels. This can be done using different methods and technologies.

Hydrogen can be classified into different colour groups based on how it is produced, forming a “hydrogen rainbow”. Thus far, green and blue hydrogen have been shown to be the most eco-friendly.

Green hydrogen

Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable electricity to separate hydrogen from oxygen in water. This process is called electrolysis and it creates virtually no carbon by-product. It should be noted that while green hydrogen has shown to be the most environmentally friendly, it is also energy intensive.

Blue hydrogen

Blue hydrogen, another “low-carbon” hydrogen, is produced by using steam to separate it from natural gas, a process known as steam-methane reforming. However, this also releases CO₂ as a by-product. Carbon capture and storage would be needed to contain the CO₂ and reduce its carbon footprint.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Hydrogen fuel cells have also shown tremendous potential towards decarbonising various industries. Similar to batteries, they produce electricity by converting stored chemical energy through an electrochemical reaction. While hydrogen fuel cells are efficient and eco-friendly, more research and investment will be needed to further implement and scale them.

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Investing in research and development

Greater Bergen’s diverse ecosystem is investing tremendously towards researching these new emerging technologies through principal initiatives and collaborative projects.  

The Centre for Sustainable Subsurface Resources

The Centre for Sustainable Subsurface Resources (CSSR) is a research centre hosted by Bergen-based research institute NORCE. Building off of the immense knowledge and experience from Norway’s petroleum sector, the centre will develop new competencies and tools to aid with the energy transition. This will include research on how to store and later retrieve surplus hydrogen from depleted deep-sea petroleum reservoirs.

Read more on Offshore Energy

HyValue

HyValue is one of two recently opened Norwegian centres for Environment-Friendly Energy Research (FME) for hydrogen. Tasked with developing “knowledge, methodology and innovative solutions” for hydrogen and hydrogen-based energy carriers, it will utilise a network of 50 research, public sector, and industry partners. NORCE will serve as host to HyValue and coordinate these efforts.

H2NOR

Led by Bergen-based battery manufacturer Corvus Energy, H2NOR is a cross-sector initiative working to accelerate the development and production of sustainable and scalable Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Systems. This will ultimately contribute to Norway’s aim of decarbonising the shipping industry. 

Moving forward

Greater Bergen is in an ideal position to greatly contribute, if not lead Norwegian research into hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Moving forward, the agenda will be to not only drive decarbonisation but to also create whole new industries and value chains.

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