29 May 2023

Today's Top Nordic Green News:

• Spain’s Iberdrola plans major investments in Swedish offshore wind farms
• Metacon and Uppvidinge Vätgas launch wind-powered hydrogen filling station in Sweden

Spain’s Iberdrola plans major investments in Swedish offshore wind farms

Spanish energy company Iberdrola plans to invest up to SEK 300 billion in building large-scale offshore wind farms in Sweden in collaboration with Svea Vind Offshore. However, the investments may be at risk due to current shortcomings in the regulatory framework and Swedish energy policy. Iberdrola's Sweden manager emphasises the need for swift remedies to create a favourable environment for offshore wind projects. The company aims to contribute to Sweden's green transition and future energy supply by expanding offshore wind power. The projects have the potential to add significant capacity and increase electricity availability in the country. 

Di

Metacon and Uppvidinge Vätgas launch wind-powered hydrogen filling station in Sweden

Metacon and Uppvidinge Vätgas have inaugurated Sweden's first public hydrogen gas filling station, powered by a nearby wind turbine. The hydrogen filling station, supported by Klimatklivet, features integrated hydrogen production and is capable of refuelling both heavy vehicles and passenger cars at 350 and 700 bar pressure. With a capacity of producing 200 kilograms of pure hydrogen per day, the facility demonstrates the feasibility of transitioning Sweden's fuel supply to locally produced green hydrogen. The hydrogen vehicles offer similar refuelling convenience and range as traditional fuels, without compromising on performance. The official opening of the hydrogen filling station is scheduled for August 31, 2023.

EnergiNyheter

Danish solar cells achieve record-breaking electricity generation in April

In April, solar cells in Denmark achieved a significant milestone by generating a record-breaking 405.6 GWh of electricity, a remarkable 55% increase compared to the previous year. This remarkable feat, reported by Green Power Denmark using Energinet's statistics, is attributed to favourable weather conditions and the installation of numerous new solar cells. Solar energy now contributes significantly to Denmark's electricity production, particularly during peak times, even leading to temporary decreases in electricity prices. While this achievement is commendable, the pace of solar installations has slowed due to rising costs and the absence of certain political decisions, causing uncertainty for developers and investors. Prompt action is needed to support the growth of solar systems and ensure a smooth transition to green electricity in Denmark.

EnergiAktuellt

Negative electricity prices return in Norway as consumption remains low

Electricity prices in Norway were negative for a few hours on Saturday afternoon, according to Nordpool, the electricity exchange. This means that Norwegian customers will essentially be paid for their electricity usage for the second time this month. The negative prices are a result of low consumption and high production, including a significant amount of solar production in Europe leading to imports. Additionally, high water availability, driven by melting snow, plays a significant role in pushing the prices down. These conditions are expected to continue, resulting in a collapse in electricity prices.

E24

Norway likely to rely on quota purchases to achieve 2030 climate targets

A recent analysis suggests that Norway is increasingly leaning towards quota purchases in various forms as a means to meet its climate reduction targets for 2030. While this approach is not entirely new, the country's reliance on flexibility measures, including allowance trading and cooperation with the EU, is becoming more prominent. The article highlights the challenges and uncertainties associated with this strategy, emphasising the importance of striking a balance between short-term goals and long-term sustainability. The piece also touches on developments in climate and energy policy within the EU and Germany, as well as the commitments made by G7 leaders during their annual meeting in Hiroshima.

energiogklima

Smoltek establishes in-house hydrogen laboratory to test electrolysis cells

Smoltek has announced the inauguration of its own hydrogen laboratory through its subsidiary, Smoltek Hydrogen. The laboratory, named H2LAB, is located in Gothenburg and is equipped with advanced tools for performance measurements and long-term tests of electrolysis cells. It also enables the company to manufacture its own test cells. By testing cells with minimal amounts of iridium, Smoltek aims to accelerate the development of cell material and evaluate different concepts for volume production. 

The CEO of Smoltek Hydrogen, Ellinor Ehrnberg, emphasises the importance of using as little iridium as possible in PEM electrolysis to produce a large amount of green hydrogen. The company aims to demonstrate that its technology only requires 0.1 mg of iridium/cm2, compared to the industry's target of 0.8 mg iridium/cm2 by 2030. This achievement could save approximately 5 tons of iridium annually, a rare and expensive metal forecasted to cost SEK 8 million/kg in 2030.

evertiq

Neste and ITOCHU collaborate to expand availability of renewable fuel in Japan

Neste and Japanese ITOCHU have announced an expanded collaboration to make Neste MY Renewable Diesel more widely accessible in the Japanese market. The agreement includes a licensing arrangement that designates ITOCHU as the official distributor of Neste MY Renewable Diesel in Japan. This partnership aims to support Japan's carbon neutrality goals by promoting the use of renewable fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the collaboration will focus on spreading knowledge about renewable diesel and its benefits. 

Press Release

What we’re reading

• UN advises against offsets for carbon removal technologies (Climate Home News)

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