The programme will show the potential of hydrogen to become a zero-emission energy carrier in the Nordic countries by demonstrating solutions that service the entire hydrogen value chain through five projects.
Clean hydrogen is an essential component in the global shift away from fossil fuels and towards a green transition. In this transformation, the Nordic region holds a unique position to lead the development of so-called hydrogen valleys – integrated systems that connect hydrogen production, transport, storage, and end-use. Through the Nordic Hydrogen Valleys as Energy Hubs programme, research is being conducted to build the infrastructure and knowledge base required to make hydrogen a key part of the wider Nordic energy system, covering everything from safety to sector integration.
Fuelling the energy transition with hydrogen
Hydrogen is central to decarbonising transport and other hard-to-abate industries such as steel and chemicals. The transport sector alone accounts for nearly a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions and is a major source of urban air pollution – areas where Nordic hydrogen solutions can make a real difference.
Recognising that not all energy use can be electrified, the Nordic countries are investing in hydrogen, ammonia, and electrofuels to drive the green transition in challenging sectors. Combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS), these technologies can help achieve negative emissions.
Together towards a Nordic hydrogen future
The Nordic Hydrogen Valleys as Energy Hubs programme aims to identify pathways and barriers to accelerate the establishment of hydrogen valleys and to position the Nordics as a hydrogen hub by 2030 and 2040. This effort reflects the region’s ability to achieve a higher level of value from working together than on a national level.
With strong political support and world-class research and innovation, the Nordic region has the critical mass needed to lead the global development of clean hydrogen technologies, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and accelerate the path toward a sustainable energy future.
