Hydrogen, energy system and infrastructure in Northern Scandinavia and Finland - prestudy

Purpose and goal:

This prestudy has analysed the conditions, opportunities and obstacles for a hydrogen infrastructure in northern Scandinavia and Finland. The study has provided an updated picture of current status and projects planned in the region. Existing and upcoming regulations for the hydrogen value chain have been summarised.

Furthermore, a techno-economic analysis of hydrogen pipelines and consequences for the electricity grid has been carried out, as well as SWOT analyses. Finally, the study has suggested further research required to progress towards a hydrogen energy system. Expected results and effects:

It is evident that the power grid and hydrogen pipelines can complement each other in an energy- and cost-effective way. The main conclusion is therefore that great and rapid efforts should be focused on developing a hybrid system to avoid unnecessary lock-in effects. Several gaps have been discovered in today´s legislation, hence, an investigation of the legislation surrounding hydrogen systems is recommended.

Furthermore, a multi-fold increase in new renewable electricity generation is required in electricity zone 1 to cover the projected needs of industry. Approach and implementation:

This prestudy has been carried out by RISE Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) and Luleå University of Technology (LTU) together with additional 24 stakeholders active in a hydrogen energy system in northern Sweden. Actors and investments have been mapped via interviews within and outside the project consortium. The techno-economic and regulatory analyses have been carried out by LTU and RISE, and presented for feedback at two workshops.

The conclusions and proposals for future research and development have been presented at a seminar open to all stakeholders in the region.