Previously, hydrogen’s role in the energy transition was thought to be a “clean” alternative to fossil fuels in heat and electricity production. However, due to its versatility, it can also replace fossil fuels in both other industrial processes, such as coal in the steel industry, and in transport applications, such as the maritime sector. Therefore, hydrogen is now considered to be one of the main drivers of the green shift.
The centre’s work to build a sustainable hydrogen economy will focus on four main research areas:
- Cost-efficient and scalable production
- Transport and storage in Norway and Europe
- End-use technologies
- Safety and material integrity
In order to realise hydrogen’s full potential, there are numerous knowledge and technical gaps that need to be filled. As such, HYDROGENi’s activities are a collaborative effort from over 50 Norwegian and European partners that cover the entire hydrogen value chain.
Industry compromises a significant part of HYDROGENI’s consortium. In addition, HYDROGENi will have the largest ever academic research programme in an FME, and aims to educate 35 PhD/postdoc students and over 100 MSc/BSc candidates. The centre is led by SINTEF’s EVP Sustainability Nils Røkke.
The scheme of the Centres for Environment-friendly Energy Research (FME) seeks to develop expertise and promote innovation through focus on long-term research in selected areas of environment-friendly energy. There are today 11 centres within renewable energy, energy efficiency, social sciences and CO2-management. The research activity is carried out in close cooperation between prominent research communities and users. The centres will operate for eight years (2016 – 2024).