Ocean Hyway Cluster joins European dialogue on green hydrogen
Photo credit: Sogn Næring
Green Hydra is an EU collaboration involving 11 European regions, with Sogndal Municipality as the main Norwegian partner. The project aims to strengthen the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in the green hydrogen economy and contribute to the EU’s climate goals of at least 55 % emission reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
On Wednesday, September 10th, Ocean Hyway Cluster participated in the 4th International Green Hydra project meeting, held at Campus Sogndal. The event brough together researchers, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore how regional strengths can support the development of flexible energy systems and green hydrogen solutions.
On day 2, our very own CEO Stein Kvalsund presented the cluster’s work to build a complete hydrogen value chain in Western Norway, with Florø as a key hub. By focusing on regional innovation and connecting maritime stakeholders, technology developers, and decision-makers, the cluster aims to accelerate the transition to hydrogen and ammonia as sustainable maritime fuels.
The program featured insights from HVL, Sognkraft, and the Western Norway Research Insititute, along with hands-on demonstrations in Campus Sogndal’s Energy Lab. The day concluded with site visits and reflections on the role of industry in the green transition.
Photo credit: Sogn Næring
“Green Hydra continues to be a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and we are proud to contribute to shaping Norway’s hydrogen future,” says Stein Kvalsund.
The gathering showcased Sogn’s strong regional collaboration and its potential to lead innovative, future-oriented projects with European relevance.
Photo credit: Sogn Næring
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Green Hydra is an EU-funded initiative aimed at accelerating the green hydrogen transition by strengthening the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. While large corporations are already investing heavily in green hydrogen, with the global market projected to reach $11 trillion by 2050, SMEs, which make up 99 % of European businesses, remain largely underrepresented.
The project addresses this gap by improving local, regional, and nantional policies in 10 EU regions. It focuses on creating support mechanisms that enable SMEs to participate in the hydrogen value chain, from research and engineering to manufacturing, consultancy, and design.
By fostering collaboration between public authorities, academia, industry, and civil society (the quadruple helix), Green Hydra aims to unlock new business opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to the EU’s climate goals: a 55 % reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
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Sogn Næring is the business development agency for the municipalities of Sogndal and Vik, serving as the first-line service for entrepreneurs and companies seeking guidance. Their mission is to support anyone with the drive to create and grow.
With a vision to become the leading force in business development in Vestland, Sogn Næring works to ensure that local businesses embrace new knowledge, technology, and sustainable practices. By fostering innovation and supporting green transition efforts, they aim to enhance quality of life for residents and strengthen the region’s attractiveness as a place to live and work.
Sogn Næring plays a key role in implementing Sogndal Municipality’s master plan in the Green Hydra project, which outlines a strategic approach to promoting green hydrogen adoption among SMEs.
Scope: Supporitng SMEs in Sogndal while collaborating with the wider Sogn Region.
Objective: Accelerating the transition to green hydrogen technologies in line with the municipality’s sustainability goals.
Approach: Combining regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and capacity-building initiatives to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and infratructure development.
Priorty measures: Creating supportive policies, offering financial support, and promoting education and innovation.
Through this work, Sogn Næring contributes to building a greener, more resilient, and future-ready regional economy.
