An asphalt plant requires high thermal energy, and until now, gas, propane, diesel, biodiesel, and wood pellets have been used, all with climate emissions. The total emissions from Norwegian asphalt production are around 400,000 tons of CO2 per year.
The world’s first factory capable of producing asphalt solely using hydrogen as an energy source is located in Kristiansund. Here, Veidekke has converted the factory and produced about 3,000 tons of asphalt in 2023, using only hydrogen as an energy source. In 2024, Veidekke aims to increase the production of emission-free asphalt and has, for this purpose, initiated a collaboration with Norwegian Hydrogen.
In Hellesylt, further south in Møre & Romsdal, Norwegian Hydrogen is now building a production facility for green hydrogen that will be able to produce over 400 tons annually. The plant will start up in 2024 and will then be able to supply hydrogen to, among others, Veidekke’s facility in Kristiansund.
Simen Skaare Eriksen, Chief Commercial Officer at Norwegian Hydrogen says: “There are huge climate benefits to be gained by using green hydrogen for various purposes within industry and construction, and it is inspiring to work with actors who share our ambition to lead the way in the early stages of climate transition in these sectors. We are naturally very pleased that Veidekke has chosen to enter this collaboration with us and are looking forward to starting deliveries to Kristiansund.”
About Norwegian Hydrogen
Norwegian Hydrogen AS builds and operates a comprehensive network of production sites and distribution systems for green hydrogen throughout the Nordics, tailored to meet the future requirements for zero-emission energy in a wide range of mobility sectors and industrial segments. Norwegian Hydrogen is establishing the production of green hydrogen throughout the Nordics and will soon start production at its facility in Hjørring, Denmark.
The company is supported by a group of strong industrial owners, such as Mitsui & Co., Ltd, Flakk Group, Hexagon Purus, aquaculture major Hofseth International, hydropower company Tafjord and now also Fortescue.
Their fully owned subsidiary Vireon is the leading hydrogen refueler for heavy-duty transportation in the Nordics, currently developing and building infrastructure across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
Norwegian Hydrogen’s head office is in Ålesund, Norway, and they also have offices in Oslo, Narvik, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Stockholm.
About Veidekke
Veidekke is one of Scandinavia’s largest contractors and property developers. The company performs all types of construction assignments, develops housing projects, maintains roads and produces asphalt, crushed stone and gravel. Involvement and local knowledge characterize the business. The turnover is approximately NOK 39 billion, and half of the 8,000 employees own shares in the company. Veidekke is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and has consistently made a profit since its inception in 1936.
Main Image caption: Veidekke asphalt. Image rights: Veidekke
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