Equinor's H2M Eemshaven: Innovating Gas to Hydrogen with CCS

Equinor, a leading energy company, has embarked on an ambitious project, H2M Eemshaven, to construct a production facility in the industrial zone of Eemshaven. The primary function of this facility will be to convert natural gas from the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) into hydrogen, while also capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2). The goal is to capture more than 95% of the CO2, which will then be securely and permanently stored beneath the seabed off the coast of Norway. Production at this facility is expected to commence in late 2028.

This innovative project will link the hydrogen plant to planned onshore hydrogen pipelines in both the Netherlands and Germany. Through a development agreement, Equinor is set to ensure access to carbon transport and storage capacity, while providing low-carbon hydrogen to the market. Linde, a multinational chemical company, will play a crucial role in building, co-owning, and operating the hydrogen production and carbon capture and transfer facility.

The H2M Eemshaven project is a significant step forward in Equinor's climate ambition and hydrogen strategy. It aligns with the company's goal to establish a presence in three to five major industrial clusters, supporting its ambition to secure 10% of the European hydrogen market share by 2035.

With a production capacity of 1 GW (235,000 tons), the project is poised to meet a significant portion of Europe's current and future hydrogen demands. Specifically, it will satisfy about 2.3% of Europe's existing demand for grey hydrogen, which refers to hydrogen produced through a process that releases greenhouse gases. Furthermore, it will cover approximately 0.24% of the projected clean hydrogen market in Europe by 2050. Clean hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through processes that significantly reduce or eliminate the release of greenhouse gases.

The H2M Eemshaven project exemplifies Equinor's commitment to pioneering sustainable energy solutions. By harnessing the power of hydrogen, a clean and abundant energy source, and coupling it with carbon capture and storage technology, Equinor is taking significant strides towards reducing carbon emissions.

Moreover, the project also represents an important development in Europe's broader transition towards a more sustainable energy future. As countries across the continent strive to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and lower their greenhouse gas emissions, projects like H2M Eemshaven are crucial in providing cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives.

The H2M Eemshaven project marks a significant milestone in Equinor's hydrogen strategy and climate ambitions. It demonstrates the potential of innovative technologies in transforming the energy landscape and contributing to a more sustainable future. As the project moves forward, it will be instrumental in meeting the increasing demand for clean hydrogen in Europe, while playing a key role in the region's efforts to combat climate change.