Nordic Maritime Transport and Energy Research Programme

In 2019, the Nordic Prime Ministers signed a “Declaration on Nordic Carbon Neutrality” in which they undertook to work toward a carbon-neutral Nordic region, including decarbonisation of the transport sector.

Transport – and especially maritime transport – is considered one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize. Since the Nordic region already has a high ratio of renewable energy in its energy mix, transport remains one of the greatest challenges. The Nordic countries have strong maritime clusters and are frontrunners in supporting the transition to low-carbon fuels, more energy efficient ship designs, electrification in and out of harbours, as well as carbon-cutting incentives and regulations.

Hydrogen and Ammonia

In the Nordic Maritime Transport and Energy Research Programme, the first call for proposals focuses on hydrogen and ammonia as potential zero-emission fuels for maritime transport, since this is an area of strong common interest among the Nordic countries. The Nordic added value lies in establishing synergies between the national research “environments”, which together mature low carbon fuel technologies at a global level.

“The Nordic region has a unique position with a complete cluster of shipping companies, engine manufacturers, and ship builders that are working together to improve efficiency and introduce low-carbon solutions. Nordic Energy Research supports these endeavours by financing research and development that can deliver needed knowledge and new competitive energy solutions for both the Nordic and the global markets,” says Svend Søyland, Senior Adviser, Nordic Energy Research.

The research program funds three Nordic research consortia testing various ways of using hydrogen and ammonia either in conventional fossil fuel engines or directly in fuel cells. All three consortia have significant maritime industry involvement and will run until 2022.

How is a research program funded?

Our research programs are prepared in close co-operation with national research funding agencies. Some programs are funded solely by Nordic Energy Research, more often though, countries join a program with finances for their respective researchers, while Nordic Energy Research coordinates and provides additional funding for these joint research programs.

Other ongoing Research Programs

1) NordGrid Program – Smart Electricity Transmission: Developing smart grid solutions for managing e.g., larger fluctuation in electricity production, active consumers, cyber-security, and more.

2) The joint Baltic-Nordic Energy Research Programme: Promoting energy research and analysis in the Baltic States and inspiring intra-Baltic and Baltic-Nordic collaboration.

For further information www.nordicenergy.org