Nel and Samsung Collaborate on Groundbreaking Pink Hydrogen Project
Oslo, Friday, 20 December 2024.
Nel ASA partners with Samsung C&T to produce hydrogen from nuclear power. This South Korean project highlights innovative energy use, showcasing the potential for reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Historic Partnership Details
I’m excited to share details about this groundbreaking collaboration. Nel ASA has secured a €5 million contract with Samsung C&T for a 10 MW alkaline electrolyser system [1][2]. This marks a historic moment as it represents South Korea’s first-ever nuclear hydrogen production project [1]. The initiative, announced on December 19, 2024, aims to harness excess nuclear power generation that would otherwise go to waste [2].
Technical Innovation and Production
The project’s technical backbone will be built at Nel’s cutting-edge facility in Herøya, Norway - the world’s first fully automated electrolyser production line [1]. As someone who follows energy innovation closely, I find it fascinating that this facility recently received a substantial €135 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund to advance their alkaline electrolyser technology [2]. This demonstrates the growing confidence in pink hydrogen’s potential.
Global Context and Market Impact
Looking at the bigger picture, this project arrives at a crucial time. The global electrolyzer market is showing remarkable potential, with annual installed capacity projected to reach 31 GW by 2030 [3]. I’m particularly intrigued by how this project could influence the broader hydrogen market, especially considering recent developments like Hydrom and Thyssenkrupp Nucera’s green hydrogen initiatives in Oman announced on December 14, 2024 [3].
Future Implications
While the project hasn’t yet reached its commercial phase [2], it demonstrates how countries with nuclear infrastructure can effectively reduce their fossil fuel dependency [2]. As Byung Soo Lee, Samsung C&T’s head of Energy Solution Business Unit, notes, ‘There is no doubt that Nel’s technology can meet our expectation’ [1]. This confidence suggests we’re witnessing the dawn of a new era in clean energy production.