Hydrogen

In NORCE we are working with different aspects of hydrogen:

Microbial hydrogen production

Many different microbes can produce hydrogen, and these grow on a variety of different substrates, waste and raw materials.

We want to understand which growth conditions and waste types are the most beneficial for efficient microbial production of hydrogen.

We are therefore also investigating the possibility of activating bacteria in underground structures that are relevant for existing reservoirs.

Geological storage of hydrogen

Underground storage in geological formations is one of the options for storing H2 on a large scale. Depleted gas and oil reservoirs, artificial salt caves, deep aquifers, hard rock caves and abandoned mines are possible storage sites.

For all these areas, we need to better understand the processes and consequences involved in the storage of hydrogen, including microbial consumption, chemical reactions, physical flow properties and geological suitability.

At NORCE, we have the necessary expertise to carry out field-specific and general research for the development of underground storage sites.

Distribution and metering of hydrogen

We do research on efficient and flexible transport and distribution systems for hydrogen based energy carriers at different scales.

In close cooperation with industry partners we also contribute to develop robust and traceable metering solutions for custody transfer of hydrogen through various supply chains.

Hydrogen for maritime transport

We are conducting research with the aim of achieving hydrogen-powered vessels with energy-efficient operation. NORCE also supports the industry in developing infrastructure for testing and qualification of the entire value chain in which liquid hydrogen is used for maritime transport.

Industrial use of hydrogen

NORCE is involved in several projects, that utilize Hydrogen for producing usable products from Carbon containing biproducts (incl. CO₂).

We investigate industrial processes, where the use of Hydrogen can contribute to a reduction of CO₂ emissions. The hydrogen may be used either for its chemical properties or as an energy carrier.

Hydrogen in the energy system

Regarding energy systems, we have expertise in:

• Modelling and simulation of energy systems
• Concepts for specific and integrated energy solutions
• Instrumentation and monitoring of energy systems
• Life cycle assessments of energy systems (LCA analyses)
• The use of artificial intelligence in energy system
• Social embeddeness

In addition to working with energy system solutions as a whole, NORCE is also working on solutions related to specific energy sources such as geothermal, solar, wind and hydrogen. In this context we investigate the integration in terms of energy storage (electrolysis) to balance demand and generation via fluctuating renewables to for exampel decarbonize geographical islands. Here the Hydrogen can be used for backup power generation or transport or use in industrial applications.

Also by-products of the electrolysis process are evaluated to be integrated like for waste heat for example in district heating systems or other processes and oxygen form example in aquaculture.

Further more we are researching how to reuse depleted oil and gas reservoirs for energy storage to balance the variability in wind energy as the primary power supply, as part of the electrification solution for offshore installations.

Microbial use of hydrogen and fermentation

We explore and test the use of industrial gases (CO₂ and CO) together with hydrogen to produce valuable products during microbial fermentation.

Public acceptance of hydrogen technologies

Societal acceptance of hydrogen technologies: Hydrogen has the potential to contribute to the decarbonisation of many areas of industry and transport, and as something that will affect many of us.

Our goal is to assess and communicate regulatory, infrastructural, and operational conditions as well as knowledge, risks, and trust levels associated with the use of hydrogen, aiming at maximising societal benefits.