Mundus Nordic Green News – 2 February, 2021

Corvus Energy, Toyota and Equinor announce maritime hydrogen fuel cell

On Tuesday morning. Corvus Energy CEO, Geir Bjørkeli announced that Corvus will start developing and producing large-scale, maritime hydrogen fuel cell systems, in cooperation with Toyota (see webinar). The research, development and production will take place in Bergen.

 

According to Dagens Naeringsliv, the idea began in 2009, when two Canadians living in Vancouver had the idea that yachts at the port should not have to use unnecessary fuel - they should be able to turn off the engine and connect to battery. The Canadians' idea resulted in the battery company Corvus, which moved to Bergen, following Norwegian investors and also because the Norwegian coast was better suited as the main location. Currently, with two factory employees and a bunch of robots at the Bergen factory, Corvus produces battery systems for maritime vessels. The company has delivered battery systems to approximately 400 boats, half of which are Norwegian. 

 

Now the battery company is now embarking on a completely new venture. In collaboration with the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, Corvus wants to become a leader in fuel cell systems for hydrogen-powered ships. The plan is to leverage Toyota’s expertise as one of the world's largest manufacturers of car fuel cells, converting these to application in boats and ships. According to Bjørkli, “Toyota will deliver fuel cells similar to those used in cars, then we will pack this into modules and make it safe for use in maritime vessels.” Corvus has set aside NOK 300-400 million for the new investment.

 

The plan further builds on Norway’s leadership position in developing a hydrogen-fueled maritime industry. With BKK, Equinor and AirLiquide's planned production of liquid hydrogen at Mongstad, and several hydrogen vessels under development for Norwegian waters over the next four years (see next story), Corvus' development work will be part of a complete value chain for hydrogen in Norway.

 

Corvus' owners included Norsk Hydro, Equinor, Shell and BW Group. Recently, Corvus was awarded NOK 54 million to the project from Innovation Norway, which constitutes Innovation Norway's largest award in 2020. Also on the team are Wilhelmsen and Norled, LNG Marine, NCE Maritime Cleantech and the University of Southeast Norway. The first system will be on board a ship for testing in 2023, and ready for commercial use by 2024.

 

Veidekke wants to order two new, hydrogen-powered bulk carriers

Veidekke , Norway's largest asphalt contractor, and the Green Shipping Program have signed an agreement to work out contracts for the construction of two new, hydrogen-powered cargo ships. The ships will carry asphalt, crushed stone and gravel along the Norwegian coast. Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Sveinung Rotevatn, said Veidekke's intent to order the two bulk carriers “is a clear signal to shipyards, shipping companies, commodity owners - and not least the authorities - that we are on the right track. The Government's investment in green fleet renewal under the Green Shipping Program contributes to concrete results. The project will make an important contribution to emission reductions from cargo ships and is the type of investment we will see many more of with the government's new climate plan.” Narve Mjøs, Director of the Green Shipping Program commented “The most important thing we do in the future to achieve an effective green shift is to make the markets for the use of green technologies and fuels work. The green transition and increased use of hydrogen is dependent on the price of hydrogen falling. Increased use results in reduced prices. Measures such as this are therefore very important to achieve just that.”

 

FREYR and Glencore sign LoI for delivery of cobalt

FREYR AS has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with Glencore for the delivery of up to 3,700 tonnes of sustainably produced, high-quality cobalt metal cut cathodes produced at Nikkleverk, Glencore's Norwegian company in Kristiansand. Glencore is also one of the investors contributing new equity in connection with FREYR's proposed merger with the NYSE-listed SPAC, Alussa Energy Acquisition Corp, which Nordic Green News reported on last week.

 

Sustainable Nordic cities with focus on climate smart mobility

Sustainable Nordic cities with a focus on climate-smart mobility were one of four projects launched under the Swedish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2018. The aim of the project is to contribute to a sustainable urban development by supporting the transition to fossil free and sustainable transportation in Nordic cities and their surrounding regions. The project involves collaborating and exchanging experiences with other Nordic countries to find solutions for charging electric vehicles and creating attractive and climate-smart urban transport. A new report has been compiled from some of the most interesting applicable examples found in the Nordic countries, presenting policy recommendations and good examples on how to accelerate the transition to climate-smart mobility and accessibility based. For a video tour of the highlights of Smart City Sweden, see here. 

 

Lyse and Forus Energigjenvinning sign LoI with Aker Carbon Capture to assess CCS facilities

Forus Energigjenvinning and Lyse have signed a letter of intent (Loi) with Aker Carbon Capture to assess possibilities for a complete CO2 capture and storage facility in the Stavanger / Sandnes region. The collaboration comes in the wake of the government's Langskip project, which will contribute to the establishment of a complete Norwegian CCS chain. The letter of intent is non-exclusive and is valid for three years, with the possibility of extension.

 

Denmark expands gas network to Lolland-Falster

Denmark’s government has decided to expand the gas network to Lolland-Falster, an island south of Copenhagen. The decision will not only give the area access to the gas network, but will also help decarbonise the sugar industry, as a major sugar refinery is based there. The hydrogen industry welcomes the opportunities the decision opens up for a new hydrogen and PtX industry on Lolland-Falster. Because with the pipeline, it will be possible for the electricity surplus that is already in the area today to be converted to e.g. hydrogen, and efficiently shipped to the rest of Denmark and Europe. The pipeline is reported to cost DKK 800 million.

 

---