Enova backs Vireon on refueling stations for heavy-duty vehicles

More than three stations needed

Voie expressed his gratitude for Enova's support, stating that "three stations is a good start, but much more will be required for hydrogen to become a viable alternative to diesel in the heavy-duty transportation segment. We need to build corridors that provide transport companies with the necessary confidence to switch from diesel to hydrogen. We hope that Enova will contribute to this in the upcoming calls for proposals."

Hydrogen infrastructure is critical to reach climate goals

ASKO is Norway's largest wholesaler and a frontrunner in zero-emission transportation. Their goal is to reach zero emissions in 2026, and they see hydrogen as an important part of the solution.

"The establishment of more hydrogen refueling stations will provide us with the opportunity to test hydrogen technology for long-range vehicles. Truck manufacturers are ready to roll out hydrogen-powered trucks. Our fuel hierarchy indicates that we need a strong supplement to battery electric vehicles in our efforts to supply Norway with food, using zero-emission vehicles. At ASKO, we hope this is the beginning of several hydrogen corridors between the major cities in Norway," says Jørn Arvid Endresen, Managing Director of ASKO Midt-Norge.

Support levels must increase

Whilst happy for the grants for the three stations, Voie is also uncertain about the level of support and whether it is enough to actually realize all three stations; “The maximum level of support for hydrogen refueling stations in Norway is already notably lower than in other countries, and Enova has even chosen not to award us with the maximum level. This reduction in support raises concerns about the viability of realizing these stations as it drives up the cost of hydrogen and negatively impacts the business case for our customers. We hope it's still doable, but unfortunately, it's far from guaranteed. In future calls, the support levels must increase.”

“Why can Enova provide up to 80% funding for charging infrastructure, but only 40% for hydrogen refueling stations”, asks Voie.

Per Øyvind Voie, Managing Director of Vireon

More stations to come

Vireon and Norwegian Hydrogen remain committed to working closely with Enova and our customers to explore opportunities for additional support and expansion of the hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the future. We aim to create a comprehensive network of hydrogen refueling stations that will make green hydrogen an attractive and accessible choice for the heavy-duty transportation segment. These refueling stations will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable future.