Shell has agreed to work with CapeOmega and Aker Clean Hydrogen to develop the Aukra Hydrogen Hub into a large-scale blue hydrogen production facility. Natural gas for the project would be supplied from the Nyhamna gas processing plant nearby.

Shell is the operator of the Ormen Lange gas field on the Norwegian continental shelf and a service provider at the related gas plant at Nyhamna in Aukra. The firms have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together on the project.

Earlier this year, Aukra municipality granted Aker Clean Hydrogen rights to develop a project for production of hydrogen, ammonia and related products in Aukra.

“The Aukra Hydrogen Hub is well-positioned to become a key hydrogen hub for Norway” Nyborg, Aker Clean Hydrogen

In June, Aker Clean Hydrogen and CapeOmega entered into a MoU to explore the opportunity to develop the Aukra Hydrogen Hub. 

“The Aukra Hydrogen Hub is well-positioned to becoming a key hydrogen hub for Norway going forward,” says Knut Nyborg, CEO of Aker Clean Hydrogen.

Shell has committed to cut the carbon intensity of its scope one, two and three emissions by 20pc by 2030 and 45pc in 2035, before reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. This translates to an overall cut in carbon intensity from 79gCO₂e/MJ in 2016 to under 40gCO₂e/MJ by 2035 and 0gCO₂e/MJ by 2050.

Green and blue hydrogen

The firm is investing in both green and blue hydrogen production capabilities. “Shell’s target is to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050. Joining forces with Aker Clean Hydrogen and CapeOmega to work on the exciting opportunities within the Aukra hydrogen hub is a natural step on our path towards reaching our target,” says Marianne Olsnes, managing director of Shell Norway.

The Norwegian government recently published its Hydrogen Strategy, in which it says it will seek to establish five hydrogen hubs in coastal regions by 2025, with the initial goal that hydrogen will be established as an alternative fuel for the shipping industry and for some parts of the road transport sector.

Norway is home to the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage project on the Norwegian continental shelf, which is being developed by Norway’s Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies.

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Author: Tom Young