Norwegian fuel cell manufacturer TECO 2030 has revealed plans to pivot towards a licensing model and shift away from in-house production as support and demand wane in its home nation.
Although the company has been developing a 1.2GW fuel cell manufacturing facility in Narvik, Norway, since 2021, its stated that pivoting to a licensing model will enable it to concentrate on advancing its core technology.
Read more:thyssenkrupp to supply PEM fuel cell production line to TECO 2030’s Narvik site
TECO 2030 said the decision reflects its “commitment to growth” in global markets, “in the face of regulatory delays in Norway.”
A company spokesperson told H2 View the firm’s Norwegian production plans are now at an “uncertain stage,” and will remain so until there are “clear incentives and support from government.”
Chief among those concerns was the Norwegian Government’s change of plans to continue allowing fossil-fuelled cruise ships to sail in the World Heritage fjords until 2032 – pushed back from 2026, which TECO 2030 said would have accelerated the growth of zero-emission technology companies.
“Despite efforts to secure risk financing in Norway, both from public and private sectors, the interest and capital support for clean-tech projects remain limited,” the company said.
Highlighting growing opportunities driven by government support and investment in regions like the US, India and Southeast Asia, the firm hopes to take full advantage of the new business model.
“By shifting focus to licensing, TECO 2030 can leverage stronger demand in high-potential international markets, ensuring sustainable growth and reinforcing its leadership in hydrogen fuel cell innovation.”
Having already revealed plans to establish a joint venture in India with Adviat Infratech, as well as holding an American entity, TECO 2030 plans to capitalise on the nations’ major funding programmes.
It comes as other western fuel cell and electrolyser original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) look to leverage licensing agreements to secure their futures with low-CAPEX manufacturing expansions.
Compatriot, long-standing electrolyser firm, Nel, in May signed a technology licensing agreement with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to allow the Indian multinational to manufacture Nel’s alkaline electrolysers.
Read more:RIL to manufacture Nel’s alkaline electrolysers in India under license
Newsletters
H2 View knows just how much hydrogen news there is to keep on top of. Keep up to date on the latest developments across the industry with our daily newsletter that will give you the top five stories of the day, straight to your inbox.
Don’t forget we also have our weekly newsletter which includes a round-up of the past seven days’ hydrogen highlights, including not only news but also interviews, features and analysis.
Sign up for our newsletters here.
