Sweden launches a national hydrogen valley
Sweden has launched a new hydrogen valley project called High Coast to West Coast. The goal is to speed up the shift to climate-neutral energy. The initiative focuses on building strong regional hydrogen value chains across the country.
The project receives EU funding and will run for six years. RISE coordinates the work and brings together partners from industry, research, and the public sector. In total, 45 organisations are involved, with a budget of almost €20 million.
Building a complete hydrogen ecosystem
The project aims to connect the full hydrogen value chain within one region. This includes production, storage, transport, and end use. By doing so, the partners want to prove that hydrogen systems can work at a commercial scale.
At the same time, the collaboration helps speed up technology development. It also lowers costs and supports solutions that others can copy. As a result, the project can serve as a model for other regions in Europe.
Why Sweden has an advantage
Sweden has strong conditions for green hydrogen production. The country has large supplies of renewable electricity and well-developed industrial clusters. It also benefits from an active innovation environment.
Because of these strengths, Sweden can produce hydrogen at a lower cost than many other countries. According to Magnus Hallberg, Head of the Bioeconomy Division at RISE, this creates a clear competitive edge. It also strengthens energy security in Sweden and across Europe.
Clear production targets by 2030
The project has set a concrete target. It aims to produce at least 4,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030. This output would support industry, transport, and fuel production.
In addition, it would reinforce Sweden’s role in Europe’s clean energy transition. Over time, the project could help scale up hydrogen use across several sectors.
Working with European partners
The initiative extends beyond Sweden. Partners from Spain, Greece, and Germany also take part. Through this cooperation, the project supports knowledge sharing and practical learning.
As a result, successful solutions developed in Sweden can transfer more easily to other regions. This improves the chances of wider adoption across Europe.
Supporting energy security and climate goals
The hydrogen valley aligns closely with the EU Hydrogen Strategy and climate neutrality targets for 2050. Replacing fossil fuels, it helps reduce dependence on energy imports.
Moreover, the project covers many use cases, from industrial processes to transport and e fuels. This broad approach ensures hydrogen delivers benefits across the economy.
Over the next six years, the High Coast to West Coast Hydrogen Valley aims to show that hydrogen works at scale. At the same time, it lays the groundwork for a stronger European hydrogen economy that supports growth, innovation, and sustainability.
