Hystar has launched its HyPilot project, an in-field demonstration of its innovative 1.5 MW containerised PEM electrolyser, at the Kårstø Gas Processing Plant in Rogaland, Norway.
Held today at Kårstø’s K-Lab test centre – the largest facility of its kind in Europe – the launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Norwegian Minister of Energy Terje Aasland.
The event also welcomed representatives from project partners, including Equinor, Yara Clean Ammonia, Gassco, and ABB, alongside Enova, which provided funding support.
HyPilot is designed to generate critical performance data under various operating conditions, including intermittent power supply scenarios.
According to the company, its PEM electrolyser stack technology aims to reduce costs, enhance energy efficiency and improve safety in green hydrogen production.
Fredrik Mowill, CEO of Hystar, hailed the project as a milestone for both the company and the hydrogen industry. “HyPilot marks an important juncture both for Hystar and for the global green hydrogen industry. The project allows us to showcase our patented, ultra-efficient electrolysers, and the exceptional benefits our unique design and scalable technology can bring to the industry.”
Project partner Yara Clean Ammonia highlighted the importance of the technology’s energy efficiency in advancing Net Zero ambitions.
“We are proud to take part in the development of Norwegian technology that will provide competitive and profitable industrial production of renewable hydrogen and ammonia,” said Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia. “We perceive this PEM technology as promising and exciting, especially regarding the improved energy efficiency.”
Other partners also underscored HyPilot’s role in pushing the boundaries of hydrogen technology. Chris Poynter, Division President of ABB System Drives, remarked, “By integrating ABB’s advanced power solutions with Hystar’s innovative electrolyser technology, we are uncovering new efficient pathways for hydrogen generation.”
Equinor’s SVP for Renewable & Low Carbon Technology, Andreas Jagtøyen, added: “HyPilot is a technology demonstration project focused on testing the operability, lifetime, and efficiency of Hystar’s novel electrolyser design for intermittent renewable energy applications. This project is an important step in gaining first-hand experience with green hydrogen production.”
The launch of HyPilot comes on the heels of Hystar receiving a €26 million ($27.5m) grant from the EU Innovation Fund. The funding will enable the company to construct an automated gigawatt-scale factory in Høvik, Norway, set to achieve an annual production capacity of 1.5 GW by 2027 and scale to 4.5 GW by 2031.
Norway and Scandinavia are at the forefront of green hydrogen development, leveraging abundant renewable energy resources and supportive policies to drive innovation.
In Norway, flagship projects like Hystar’s HyPilot and the construction of a gigawatt-scale electrolyser factory showcase the nation’s commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology.
The Norwegian government, alongside organisations such as Enova, plays a role in funding these initiatives, aligning with national targets for emissions reduction and energy transition.
Wider Scandinavian efforts include Denmark’s Green Hydrogen Hub, integrating wind energy to produce hydrogen for industry and transport, and Sweden’s HYBRIT project, pioneering fossil-free steel production using green hydrogen.
