CH2ESS takes the lead in national fossil-free hydrogen initiative

Luleå University of Technology has been selected in tough competition to lead a feasibility study for a future national cluster of excellence in fossil-free hydrogen. The assignment means that the university will bring together the country's leading research and industry partners to develop a joint plan for a long-term Swedish investment in hydrogen as an energy carrier.

The feasibility study is part of Vinnova's initiative on clusters of excellence in cutting-edge technology, which is being carried out together with the Swedish Research Council. The goal is to establish research and innovation environments at the international top level by 2035 - in strategic areas such as energy, materials and production technology, digitalization and biotechnology.

The project, called Hydrogen - The Systemic Innovation Cluster for Excellence, will identify how research, industry and society can best work together to strengthen Swedish competitiveness and drive the green transition. The work covers the entire hydrogen chain from production and storage to use, component manufacturing and recycling.

"This is an important step to strengthen Sweden's position in hydrogen. Through the feasibility study, we bring together research environments, industry and social actors to develop a common plan that can lead to long-term solutions and sustainable growth", says Cecilia Wallmark, Director of the Center for Hydrogen Energy Systems Sweden (CH2ESS) at Luleå University of Technology.

Cecilia Wallmark, Executive Director of the Center for Hydrogen Energy Systems Sweden (CH2ESS)

Towards international excellence by 2035

The vision is that by 2035 Sweden will be the best in the world with climate-positive hydrogen-related solutions. The planned environment of excellence will contribute to hydrogen-based products and services becoming a significant part of Swedish exports, while strengthening the country's security of supply and industrial competitiveness.

"Hydrogen is key to achieving climate goals and building a resilient society. Sweden already has a strong position through industrial initiatives such as HYBRIT and Stegra and research initiatives such as CH2ESS, but with this feasibility study we are taking the next step towards a fully integrated innovation system with global influence," says Cecilia Wallmark.

A first step in long-term investment

Through the first decisions in Vinnova's program, selected actors receive support to develop visions and strategies for future clusters of excellence. Luleå University of Technology is now one of these environments and is leading the work of shaping the Swedish power gathering around fossil-free hydrogen.

"We want to create a collaborative cluster where research, industry and society meet to solve the energy challenges of the future. The feasibility study is an important step towards groundbreaking innovations, new jobs and a sustainable energy system," says Cecilia Wallmark.

Bringing together Sweden's leading actors

Behind the application are Luleå University of Technology, KTH, Chalmers, Umeå University, RISE, Swerim, Lindholmen Science Park, LKAB, Vattenfall, Volvo, Stegra, PowerCell and Liquid Wind. The pre-study will lay the foundation for a future cluster of excellence that encompasses both technical, societal and systemic perspectives. The feasibility study will be open to those who want to contribute to shaping the vision.

The work will continue until spring 2026 and will result in a concrete proposal for the long-term structure, financing and organization of the cluster. The goal is to create a strong, cohesive Swedish investment in fossil-free hydrogen with international luster.

• Read more about the projects
• Center for Hydrogen Energy Systems Sweden (CH2ESS)