Norwegian hydrogen activities, national priorities and preferences

'Full text:' There is a wide range of Hydrogen related activities going on and initiatives taken in Norway. Industry represents the main driving force primarily with their interest towards Hydrogen Production Technologies and the utilisation of Renewable Energy Sources. The national research and development groups, however, have had a much wider scope and have been addressing almost any relevant subject from hydrogen production to end-use. Recently, an initiative to focus and strengthen the Norwegian hydrogen effort was taken by the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Ministry of Oil and Energy. The National Hydrogen Committee was established mid 2003, comprising two expert-groups on i) Transportation Applications and ii) Hydrogen Production and Stationary Applications. The committee and these groups have as of June 1st this year given their recommendations to a Norwegian Hydrogen Programme. The talk will give a brief overview of Norwegian stake-holders, current hydrogen activities as well as providing the future directions for the national hydrogen program. (author)