Nel, a leading provider of hydrogen technology, has secured a significant €5 million ($5.2 million) order to supply 10MW of alkaline electrolyser equipment to Samsung C&T Corporation and its Engineering Construction Group. The deal marks a major milestone in the rapidly growing clean energy sector, as it will support a pioneering nuclear-powered pink hydrogen project in South Korea. This repeat order builds on a successful initial partnership in January 2024, when Samsung C&T selected Nel for a solar-powered off-grid hydrogen project in the region.

The latest project focuses on establishing a demonstration plant aimed at producing hydrogen from excess nuclear power generation. This innovative approach seeks to utilize otherwise wasted energy during periods of oversupply from nuclear power plants, transforming it into valuable hydrogen. This not only offers a solution to energy inefficiency but also contributes to the transition to a more sustainable, green hydrogen economy. The demonstration plant will validate the commercial model for nuclear pink hydrogen, which is seen as a key step toward integrating low-carbon hydrogen into the global energy mix.

Nel’s electrolyser technology plays a crucial role in the success of this ambitious project. The company will deliver advanced alkaline electrolyser stacks and balance-of-stack components for the hydrogen production process. The electrolyser systems, which are key to splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, will be produced at Nel’s Herøya facility in Norway. This facility is known for its cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and plays a critical role in ensuring the high-quality production of hydrogen technology.

Byung Soo Lee, Head of Samsung C&T’s Energy Solution Business Unit, praised Nel’s reliability in delivering high-performance electrolysis technology. He emphasized the importance of using the most dependable technology available for a project of this scale. “This is the very first hydrogen production project using nuclear power in Korea, and we needed to have the most reliable electrolysis technology for executing the project,” Lee said. “There is no doubt that Nel’s technology can meet our expectations, and we hope to strengthen our partnership with Nel to develop more opportunities in the clean hydrogen business.”

Håkon Volldal, President and CEO of Nel, expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership. “Samsung C&T has ambitious plans in the hydrogen industry, and we are pleased that, for the second time now, we have been selected to deliver the electrolyser for this exciting and meaningful project,” Volldal said. He added that this project represents a significant step forward for both companies in their shared mission to accelerate the development of green hydrogen and contribute to the global shift towards renewable energy sources.

The collaboration between Nel and Samsung C&T underscores the growing momentum behind hydrogen as a clean energy solution. As countries and companies continue to seek innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable energy, projects like this nuclear-powered pink hydrogen initiative are becoming increasingly important. With this deal, Nel solidifies its position as a key player in the hydrogen industry, and the company is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of green hydrogen technology.

This partnership also highlights the potential for nuclear power to contribute to the clean hydrogen revolution, providing a reliable, low-carbon source of energy to produce hydrogen while addressing the challenge of energy storage and grid stability. As the global demand for clean energy solutions grows, this project is set to pave the way for future collaborations and innovations in the hydrogen sector. 

Impact of the Merger:

The partnership between Nel and Samsung C&T is poised to significantly impact the hydrogen and clean energy sectors. By integrating nuclear-powered pink hydrogen into South Korea’s energy strategy, it offers a model for other countries pursuing low-carbon solutions. Nel’s advanced electrolyser technology combined with Samsung C&T’s energy expertise creates a new commercial model for green hydrogen, promoting the growth of the global hydrogen economy. The use of nuclear power for hydrogen production also diversifies energy sources, addressing the challenges of renewable energy fluctuations. This collaboration demonstrates that nuclear energy can play a vital role in the clean energy transition, encouraging other nations to adopt similar approaches, thus accelerating global emission reductions and sustainable energy progress.