Based on the dialogue Glocal Green AS and Norwegian Hydrogen AS have had since they entered into a letter of intent 2 yr ago, the companies have taken a step further and entered into a concrete cooperation agreement for the development and establishment of H₂ production in connection with Glocal Green's planned bio-methanol plant. The H₂ production will be organized into a separate jointly owned company.

“A two-year study and dialogue between us have today resulted in a joint commitment to H₂ production in connection with Glocal Green's methanol production units. It has crystallized into a clear win-win model between the parties, and in addition, this efficiency will benefit all other parties along this holistic value chain, and not least the market,” said Dag Nikolai Ryste, CEO of Glocal Green AS.

The bio-methanol will be produced from low-grade biological residual materials and by-products from forestry, agriculture, and the marine sector. By adding H₂ in the production process, all the green carbon is utilized, resulting in a volumetric doubling of methanol production. This methanol, with added H₂, is termed bio-e-methanol.

The market for this green methanol is enormous and growing, both within the chemical industry and as a replacement for fossil fuels in the maritime sector and aviation. H₂ production requires access to power, and in a growing global power deficit, high transition efficiency is important. This concept, which combines bio-waste and H₂, contributes to optimal energy utilization, where the energy from the biomass, together with the energy from the added H₂, provides an outstanding yield to the input power. The result is a green liquid H₂ carrier at a competitive price that will contribute significantly to the green transition.

The first project is in Øyer in Gudbrandsdalen. The goal here is an annual production of 150,000 t of bio-e-methanol, which will also involve local production of 15,000 t of green H₂ from electrolysis. This illustrates what such a symbiosis can do for the development of H₂ production and for Norwegian Hydrogen AS as a H₂ player.

“This collaboration marks a significant step forward for the considerable synergies inherent in the co-location of H₂ and bio-methanol production. By combining our resources and expertise, we can offer sustainable solutions that meet the increasing demand for green fuels. We look forward to realizing the many opportunities this partnership will bring, both nationally and internationally,” said Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen AS.

Beyond the commitment in Øyer, the parties also aim to develop several similar projects, initially in the Nordic region.