Energiministerens tale under åpningen av HyPilot

Dear energy friends!

Thank you for the opportunity to speak at the official opening of HyPilot.  It’s a privilege to be here today, surrounded by so many dedicated individuals who are committed to advancing our energy future. Today’s demonstration of HyPilot here at Kårstø processing plant marks a significant step in developing our hydrogen industry.

Let me start off by saying that hydrogen, produced with low to zero emissions, is a vital component of Europe’s energy transition. In the years to come, it could play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the industrial and maritime sectors. Hydrogen can serve three purposes; industrial input, energy carrier as well as energy use.

This is why the government has implemented several measures that could be important to promote the development of hydrogen value chains in Norway:

For instance, our ambition is to increase Norwegian power production – particularly through offshore wind. We want to ensure faster processing of licenses and permits. And expansion and optimization of the power grid.

We are also deeply committed to technology development and innovation. From 2021 to 2023, nearly 5 billion Norwegian kroner has been allocated for hydrogen initiatives through Enova, the Research Council of Norway, Gassnova, and Innovation Norway.

And Hystar has already received over 38 million Norwegian kroner from Enova in financial support. Norwegian industry is well-positioned to take a leading role in the emerging hydrogen industry. We have innovative companies, strong research environments, and industrial expertise in hydrogen technology and production. 

It is a true testament to your capabilities that the EU Innovation Fund selected Hystar in strong competition. As a result, Hystar can now enter into a grant agreement of 23 million Euros from the Innovation Fund.

HyStar’s technology is a prime example in showcasing how we can take innovations from the research sector and successfully commercialize it.

Furthermore, I am pleased to see so many of you here today. Your presence reflects the determination and collaboration necessary to succeed in new emerging markets.

I want to applaud Norwegian industrial leaders such as Equinor, Yara, Gassco, and ABB for your participation in projects like this. Your industrial competence is invaluable for achieving a successful energy transition and positions Norway as a leader in a low-carbon society.

Norwegian energy sector has a long history of being class leading in technology and innovation. With Hystar and the HyPilot project we continue this proud tradition.

It is my pleasure to declare HyPilot officially open. Congratulations!