Research objectives:

• Document how introduction of hydrogen as energy carrier in Norway is influenced and restricted by the characteristics of the existing Norwegian energy system.
  
  
• Develop alternative scenarios and identify market segments and regions of the Norwegian energy system where hydrogen may play a significant role, with focus on early markets
  
  
• Develop suitable, regionalized models for analysing an introduction of hydrogen as energy carrier in competition with other alternatives (natural gas/electricity/district heating/bio-fuels)
  
  
• Suggest viable pathways and provide well-founded recommendations for the introduction of hydrogen in the Norwegian energy system based on modelling and evaluation (in an iterative process with national stakeholders) of the most relevant scenarios, market segments and regions
  
  
• Establish a common arena for the exchange of knowledge and experience with the aim of reaching consensus between Norwegian stakeholders by organization of national workshops for development of robust methodologies and identification and discussion of viable pathways for introduction of hydrogen

Research tasks

• Synthesize available information on the Norwegian energy system
• Complete and update existing databases
• Identify market segments and geographical regions
• Develop methodology and regional models
• Analyze and evaluate various scenarios, segments and regions
• Conduct a final assessment, providing recommendations for introduction of hydrogen

Project Phases

This project has 3 years duration divided into the following three phases:

1. 2006 Preparatory Phase: Establishment of background information & models
2. 2006 (4th Quarter) - 2008: Iterative Analysis and Evaluation Phase
3. 2008 (3rd and 4th Quarters): Wind-up Phase

The preparatory phase of the project will include synthesis of available information on the Norwegian energy system, completing and updating of existing databases as well as development of methodologies and regional models. This phase will involve identification of appropriate criteria for selection of pathways based on a wide range of parameters, categorised into: technical (efficiency, reliability, availability/maturity), economical (investments and maintenance), commercial (markets), political (incentives) and environmental (emissions).

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