Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today (January 5), the two companies aim to replace coal-fired power plants with hydrogen-ready gas-fired plants in Germany, build production of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen in Norway that is planned to be exported to Germany through a pipeline.
H2 View understands, Norwegian-based Equinor and German RWE will jointly own the new hydrogen-ready gas power plants (CCGTs), which will initially be fuelled by natural gas, with hydrogen gradually blended, ahead of ambitions for the plants to be run completely on hydrogen.
The partners have said they will also build hydrogen production facilities in Norway, using natural gas and carbon capture and storage (CCS), with intentions of storing more than 95% of the capture carbon dioxide permanently under the seabed off the shores of Norway.
Furthermore, the Norwegian and German companies have said they will pursue the joint development of wind farms to enable the production of renewable hydrogen in the future, in line with the new policy intentions.
Dr. Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE, commented, “In order to make progress in the conversion from fossil fuels to hydrogen, there is an urgent need for a rapid ramp up of the hydrogen economy. Blue hydrogen in large quantities can make a start, with subsequent conversion into green hydrogen supply.”
Additionally, Equinor and RWE will look to export hydrogen produced in Norway to Germany through a pipeline. The Norwegian Prime Minister, earlier today announced a renewed and deepened cooperation between the two countries on hydrogen, revealing plans to explore establishing a pipeline for hydrogen exports.
Read more: Germany and Norway strengthen hydrogen ties, plans for large-scale hydrogen pipeline
“Through this collaboration we will strengthen the long-term energy security for Europe’s leading industrial country while at the same time offer a viable route to a necessary energy transition for hard to abate industries,” said Anders Opedal, CEO and President of Equinor.
“The collaboration has the potential to develop Norway into a key supplier of hydrogen to Germany and Europe. This is a unique opportunity to build a hydrogen industry in Norway where hydrogen can also be used as feedstock to domestic industries,” Opedal added.
A Successful Ecosystem for Green Hydrogen – Iceland
It is becoming ever clearer that the entire green hydrogen ecosystem requires alignment. Hydrogen’s potential, performance, and safety are proven. Green hydrogen is widely accepted as a core pathway to Net Zero, yet the key levers in the transition are not yet in-sync.
For these reasons, H2 View is launching An Ecosystem for Green Hydrogen, a two and a half day summit in Reykjavík, Iceland on February 28 to March 2, 2023, devoted to thought leadership, insights, and actionable takeaways for the green hydrogen ecosystem.
In a world full of distractions and technical overload, we need inspiring places to refresh our minds and bodies. The power of Iceland lies in its nature, culture, and energy. These elements serve as the perfect backdrop for a memorable and effective event at the world renowned Harpa Centre.
The summit promises to tackle all sides of the energy ecosystem, from wind and solar power requirements, through to additionality, water sustainability, electrolyser technologies, and the investment and policy climate. The 2.5 day event is split over six sessions, delegates will hear from speakers representing all strands of the hydrogen value chain in a bid to unravel key issues in the industry, and where it can make some headway.
You can find more information at h2-viewevents.com.