Norwegian technology company Hystar plans to establish a major electrolyser production base in North America in a move that could see its commercial operations in that region eclipse its European business by the end of the decade.

The company, which specialises in proton-exchange-membrane technology, is in talks with key stakeholders in both the US and Canada, with plans to select a North American manufacturing location in 2024. Production at the proposed multi-gigawatt plant could start by 2027.

“Both the US and Canada have attractive incentives on offer, demonstrating a clear commitment to providing our industry with much-needed certainty and financial support,” said Fredrik Mowill, CEO of Hystar. “The North American market has created a highly favourable environment for companies like ours to thrive in.”

“The North American market has created a highly favourable environment for companies like ours to thrive in” Mowill, Hystar

Hystar’s move into North America mirrors a similar decision by its Norwegian rival Nel, which is developing a 4GW plant in a suburb of Detroit.

In addition to the North America expansion, Hystar will continue to grow its Europe-based production capacity with a 4GW facility in Hovik, near Oslo. Construction of the plant is expected to start in early 2024, with completion scheduled for 2025.

“Our Hovik factory demonstrates our commitment to rapidly expanding our European operations and meeting the strong demand for our technology across Europe,” said Mowill. Norway is one of the most promising locations for low-cost green hydrogen production in Europe because of its hydroelectric power generation capacity.

Hystar expects to deliver a 1MW electrolyser in the fourth quarter to Norwegian companies Equinor, Yara Clean Ammonia and Gassco for the HyPilot field project in Karsto. It is also supplying a 5MW electrolyser to Poland’s largest private energy company, Polenergia, for its H2HubNS project in Nowa Sarzyna.

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Author: Stuart Penson