Hydrogen SIC! – The Swedish Innovation Cluster for Excellence

Luleå University of Technology is leading an initiative aimed at establishing a future Swedish cluster of excellence in fossil-free hydrogen. During the winter of 2025/2026, a feasibility study was conducted within the framework of Vinnova’s excellence cluster initiative, run in collaboration with the Swedish Research Council. The initiative aims to lay the foundations for internationally leading research and innovation environments by 2035.

The project brings together leading Swedish stakeholders from academia, industry and society to develop a shared long-term plan for how hydrogen as an energy carrier can contribute to greater competitiveness, improved security of supply and an accelerated green transition. The work covers the entire hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, distribution, use, component manufacturing, system integration and recycling. It encompasses technical, societal and systemic perspectives.

The feasibility study was part of Vinnova’s programme for pioneering technologies, which aims to develop strategic environments of excellence in fields including energy, materials and production engineering, digitalisation and biotechnology. The project examines how research, innovation, industrial development and policy can interact within a cohesive innovation system with global reach.

The vision is for Sweden to become a world leader in climate-positive hydrogen solutions by 2035. The future cluster of excellence will help make hydrogen-based products and services a significant part of Swedish exports, while strengthening industrial transformation and societal resilience. The project builds on existing Swedish strengths, including industrial initiatives in fossil-free steel production and energy systems, as well as established hydrogen research environments.

The final application for a cluster of excellence was managed by Luleå University of Technology through the Centre for Hydrogen Energy Systems Sweden, CH2ESS, and submitted by KTH Royal Institute of Technology to the Swedish Research Council in June 2026. The feasibility study and application were developed in collaboration with a broad consortium of universities, research institutes, innovation environments and industry partners.

As part of the feasibility study, a workshop was held during the Swedish Hydrogen Conference. It brought together more than 300 representatives from industry, academia, public authorities and innovation organisations. The workshop focused on the current situation, future potential and key enablers for hydrogen development in Sweden, with particular emphasis on system integration, regulations, skills supply and coordination between stakeholders. The discussions confirmed that the necessary technical feasibility is largely in place, while institutional and system-related issues are becoming increasingly important for further development.

The aim is to create a strong and cohesive national initiative for fossil-free hydrogen with a clear international profile. During the feasibility study for a cluster of excellence, we identified approximately 240 hydrogen-related companies with products at various stages of maturity, as well as around 500 researchers in Sweden who actively publish research in the field.

Meet us in Stockholm, 1–2 December

Our next major meeting place will be The Swedish Hydrogen Conference 2026 – The Innovation and Excellence Edition, 1–2 December in Stockholm, bringing together industry, research and society around the development of hydrogen in Sweden.

This year, we are dedicating Day 2, 2 December, specifically to building on the Hydrogen SIC! collaboration. We want to create room for interaction, new connections and discussions on research, innovation and opportunities for collaboration.

Registration to open soon:

• The Swedish Hydrogen Conference 2026 – The Innovation and Excellence Edition

Three Hydrogen SIC! webinars

Ahead of the conference, we will organise three open Hydrogen SIC! webinars – Building Momentum for Sweden’s Hydrogen Future.

The webinars bring together companies, researchers and other actors across the hydrogen value chain to show what we already have, what is underway and where we can achieve more together. Companies and researchers will give short pitches focused on results, capabilities and important barriers, providing a starting point for discussion and new collaboration.

28 September, 09:00–11:00

Use of hydrogen – from fuel cells to industrial and societal impact

Meet representatives from PowerCell Group, Volvo Group, Siemens Energy, Stegra and Gällivare Näringsliv, together with researchers and experts including Göran Lindbergh, KTH, on fuel cells, electrochemistry and hydrogen technologies; Hans Pohl, Lindholmen Science Park, on sustainable mobility, innovation systems and international perspectives; and Simon Matti, Luleå University of Technology, on environmental politics, governance, policy and social acceptance.

16 October, 09:00–11:00

Hydrogen distribution, use & storage – safe, resilient and scalable solutions

Meet representatives from Nordion Energi, LKAB and Boden, together with researchers including Michael Försth, Luleå University of Technology, on hydrogen safety, fire technology and risk assessment, and Maria Grahn, Chalmers University of Technology, on energy systems, hydrogen and the transition to fossil-free transport and industry.

13 November, 13:00–15:00

Hydrogen production – electrolysis, energy systems and innovation

Meet representatives from Hymeth, Alleima, HydRoyal, Bosch and Energigas Sverige, together with researchers including Thomas Wågberg, Umeå University, on hydrogen production, electrocatalysis and advanced carbon-based materials.

Together, the three webinars will help us connect Sweden’s existing strengths, identify important barriers and opportunities, and build momentum for the continued Hydrogen SIC! collaboration.

Register here to join one, two or all three webinars:

• Hydrogen SIC! Webinar Series 2026 – Building Momentum for Sweden’s Hydrogen Future