Samsung E&A, a prominent solutions provider in the global energy sector, has announced its strategic entry into the green hydrogen market by acquiring equity in Norwegian hydrogen company Nel ASA. This strategic move underscores Samsung E&A's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

On March 12, Samsung E&A disclosed that it had acquired a 9.1% stake in Nel ASA on March 11 for approximately USD 33 million. Alongside the acquisition, Samsung E&A also signed a strategic partnership agreement to collaborate on hydrogen technologies. The signing ceremony took place at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in Houston, USA, with senior executives from both companies, including Samsung E&A President and CEO Hong Namkoong and Nel ASA CEO Håkon Volldal, in attendance.

Nel ASA, headquartered in Norway, is a global pioneer in hydrogen technology with roots dating back to 1927. The company specializes in electrolyser solutions for producing hydrogen using renewable energy. Nel ASA holds a strong position in the industry by offering both alkaline water electrolyser (AWE) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) technologies—the only two commercially ready electrolyser solutions. With extensive global project experience, Nel ASA is also actively developing next-generation, high-performance solutions based on these technologies.

Through this partnership, Samsung E&A aims to create an integrated technological solution for hydrogen production plants by combining both companies' strengths. This collaboration is expected to position Samsung E&A as a leader in the green hydrogen plant market while expanding its business scope to include electrolyser installation and operation.

Notably, green hydrogen production technology using electrolysers is crucial for synthesizing green ammonia, green methanol, and e-fuels. These are essential components for achieving energy transition goals. As demand for eco-friendly energy sources rises—especially for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), ammonia, and methanol—Samsung E&A is determined to secure a competitive edge by forming a long-term alliance with Nel ASA.

Samsung E&A has identified "addressing societal challenges through technology" as a key pillar of its medium- to long-term strategy during the energy transition era. The company is accelerating efforts in new energy and environmentally sustainable business ventures through its three core strategies:

•             E&Able Low (low carbon solutions)

•             E&Able Zero (carbon-free technologies)

•             E&Able Circle (environmentally focused initiatives)

Commenting on the development, Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of Samsung E&A, stated: "We will continue to proactively secure technologies in the energy transition field, such as hydrogen and carbon neutrality, through technological investment and collaboration. Our goal is to foster a virtuous business cycle by attracting high-value EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) orders based on advanced technological solutions."