Hydrogen and zero-emission trade routes
The transport sector is undergoing a major transformation, and hydrogen is emerging as a key player in creating zero-emission trade routes. In the framework of the Next Wave project a new report has been published, Zero Emission Tradelines – Potential barriers and mitigating measureshas been published. The report identifies key routes, challenges and measures to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure in the Nordic region.
Next Wave project – the driving force behind hydrogen infrastructure
The Next Wave project aims to enable large-scale use of hydrogen in the transport sector by developing an infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles. Previous phases have focused on how hydrogen vehicles can be introduced in the Nordic region, while the third phase – of which the report is a part – examines how hydrogen can be used to establish emission-free trade routes between countries.
The Nordic region has a unique position globally thanks to its leading industry in hydrogen production, fuel cells and infrastructure. Through collaboration between companies, public authorities and research institutes, the region can drive development forward and accelerate the transition to a fossil-free transport sector.
Freight mapping and priority routes
The report contains a comprehensive analysis of the flow of goods in the Nordic region, with the aim of identifying the most strategic ports and routes for the first hydrogen infrastructure.
Priority routes and ports by country:
- Sweden: Gothenburg, Trelleborg and Helsingborg are key ports, and many of the main transport routes are part of the EU TEN-T network.
- Denmark: Copenhagen, Aarhus and Fredericia are important hubs for green transport. The highway connections to Hirtshals and Frederikshavn create opportunities for hydrogen-based transport.
- Norway: Oslo and Bergen are identified as strategic ports for hydrogen bunkering, and the transport corridors between Sweden and Norway are key to creating zero-emission trade routes.
- Iceland: The port of Reykjavik plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods, and the country’s geographical conditions make it ideal for hydrogen-powered domestic transport.
Identify barriers and measures to accelerate progress
The report highlights several barriers that need to be addressed to enable a faster roll-out of hydrogen-powered transport:
Main obstacles:
- High costs – both hydrogen production and vehicles are more expensive than fossil fuel alternatives.
- Lack of infrastructure – few refueling stations and no established bunkering solution for ships.
- Regulatory challenges – lack of standardization and slow policy development.
- Uncertain market developments – transport companies hesitate to invest without stable demand.
Proposals for action:
- Financial incentives – financing programs and tax rebates can reduce the cost gap between fossil and zero-emission fuels.
- Standardization and regulatory framework – harmonization of hydrogen infrastructure and fuel types.
- Pilot projects and collaboration – more testbeds to build confidence in the technology and reduce costs by sharing experiences.
- Public procurement – central and local governments can drive the market by purchasing hydrogen vehicles and creating demand.
Next steps – what happens next?
The Next Wave project is now continuing its work to engage ports, freight transport companies and shipping lines to establish the first zero-emission trade lanes. At the same time, efforts are being made to support pilot projects and investments in both hydrogen bunkering and refueling stations, which are crucial to creating a functioning infrastructure. In parallel, there is also a drive to establish a common Nordic framework for hydrogen infrastructure, which can accelerate the transition and facilitate collaboration between countries.
About Next Wave
The Next Wave project focuses on building an infrastructure for the large-scale deployment of hydrogen vehicles and mobilizing transport companies to use these vehicles. The aim is to further strengthen the Nordic region’s global technological leadership by enabling the first large-scale deployment of hydrogen infrastructure for heavy vehicles. The project maps the needs for infrastructure development to ensure a smooth transition to hydrogen-powered transportation. These developments will also benefit the use of hydrogen in rail, aviation and shipping.
In the third phase of the project, the partner organizations have analyzed what measures are needed to get hydrogen trucks on Nordic roads. The report shows that there is a great need for further development of the infrastructure to enable emission-free trade routes, where shipping is linked to heavy road transport.
As the project enters its fourth phase, work will intensify to enable zero-emission trade lanes. With a new project partner and more associated partners, the focus will be further directed towards bunkering and ports. At the same time, work continues to get more hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles on Nordic roads.
Next Wave is co-funded by Nordic Innovation.
