A day full of innovation
On October 15, 2024, companies, researchers and innovators gathered for Vätgas Sweden’s network meeting – a day filled with insights, discussions and forward-looking solutions to drive the green transition. Hydrogen is about to play a decisive role in Sweden’s journey towards a fossil-free future, and this meeting clearly showed that both small and large players are ready to take on the challenge.
Gothenburg at the forefront: Business Region Gothenburg (BRG)
The day began with a presentation from Eva-Lena Albin, head of sustainability at Business Region Gothenburg (BRG), who spoke about the city’s strategy to become a central innovation engine for sustainable energy. Gothenburg works with a system-changing approach through initiatives such as Green City Zone, Återbruk Väst and Gothenburg Climate Partnership, which positions the region as one of Sweden’s leading engines in the green transition. With large investments from companies such as Volvo, Polestar and Novo, Gothenburg shows the way for the sustainable infrastructure of the future.
Hans-Olof Nilsson (Mr Vätgas): Small examples drive big changes
Hans-Olof Nilsson, also known as Mr. Hydrogen, shared his reflections on the development of hydrogen and emphasized how small, real examples can create big changes. “It’s the small examples that make a difference,” Nilsson said, calling for action even on a smaller scale.
Port of Gothenburg: Hydrogen an enabler for Sweden’s freight hub
Viktor Allgurén from the Port of Gothenburg presented the plans to integrate hydrogen into the port’s infrastructure. By building a hydrogen filling station and an electrolyser, the port creates the conditions for hydrogen production and distribution. Allgurén emphasized that infrastructure is crucial to attract actors to produce and use hydrogen in large-scale freight flows.
Wind power meets hydrogen: Panel discussion with Rabbalshede Kraft and RES
Wind power and hydrogen proved to be a perfect combination when Björn Aronsson moderated a panel with representatives from Rabbalshede Kraft and RES. Both companies are actively working to connect wind power with hydrogen production and emphasized the importance of site selection and permitting processes. The discussion clearly showed how energy parks where wind, hydrogen and battery storage interact can contribute to both sustainable social development and industrial growth.
Smoltek Hydrogen: Nanotechnology solves the iridium crisis
Ellinor Ehrnberg, CEO of Smoltek Hydrogen, presented how the company is using nanotechnology to solve the iridium crisis in PEM electrolysis. By greatly reducing the amount of iridium in hydrogen production, costs can be significantly reduced, making the technology more scalable. Smoltek aims to become an international cost leader and is now looking for strategic partners.
Insplorion: Safe use of hydrogen with new sensor technologies
Security was a recurring theme during the day. David Nilebo from Insplorion presented their ground-breaking hydrogen sensor technology, which can detect hydrogen leaks and thereby ensure the safe handling and use of hydrogen. The products are expected to be launched in 2025 and target several industries, including maritime, industrial and the transport sector.
Marsh: Risk management is the key to success
Anders Orebrandt from Marsh spoke about the risks associated with hydrogen projects and emphasized the importance of the right insurance cover and risk management to maximize security. He recalled that proactive insurance solutions are critical to the success and safety of the project.
Southern Lights: A SaaS solution for hydrogen projects
Anton Frisk of Southern Lights described the company’s SaaS solution, a digital platform that helps design and evaluate green hydrogen projects. This innovation aims to make projects more cost-effective and easier to implement, especially during the early development phases.
uromechanics: Successful system integration and design
Peter Rydebrink from Euromekanik discussed the challenges of coordinating actors in hydrogen production and how they manage system integration and planning to ensure success. An example of their work is their collaboration with Åbro Brewery, which uses hydrogen for long-term storage of self-produced energy.
Chalmers: Research on hydrogen gas possibilities
Maria Grahn from Chalmers presented the ongoing research on hydrogen in transport and shipping. Through the collaboration between RISE, Chalmers and industry partners, their research contributes to solutions for increased safety, more efficient fuel cells and climate-friendly energy use.
Summary
The day ended with discussions about future challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen area. Vätgas Sweden underlined the importance of Sweden continuing to work closely with the EU to develop and scale up the technology. With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration and sustainability, the future looks bright for the hydrogen sector in Sweden.
