Building the Nordic research and innovation area in hydrogen: Summary report

The report summarises the main findings of the Nordic H2 Energy Foresight carried out in 2003-2005. The aim is to provide decision support for companies and research institutes in defining their R&D priorities and to assist governmental decision-makers in making effective framework policies for the introduction of hydrogen energy. The report is intended to contribute to long-term strategies of exploiting hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies in the Nordic context. The report briefly presents the external scenarios considered for the Nordic developments, the technological visions produced by the project participants, the quantitative analyses of a potential Nordic hydrogen energy system, and the Nordic roadmaps compiled for the areas of 1) hydrogen production and distribution, 2) hydrogen use in transport and 3) stationary use of hydrogen. The report recommends that the Nordic countries should take an active role in promoting the successful introduction of hydrogen energy, anticipating also Nordic business opportunities provided by the new technologies. Among the recommended actions are Nordic information and awareness campaigns, intensified Nordic R&D co-operation, Nordic demonstration and light-house projects, stimulation of Nordic niche markets, and active involvement in international agenda setting. The Nordic networks that were developed during the foresight process can be used as a starting point when developing the required critical mass in wider international contexts.