Provaris Energy have commenced a prototype tank testing programme for their proprietary H2Neo compressed gas hydrogen carrier and H2Leo floating storage solution.
Provaris Norway AS, a subsidiary of Provaris Energy, has awarded a contract to Prodtex AS, a Norwegian-based company, for the design and construction of the tank prototype. SINTEF, Norway’s leading independent research organisation, will conduct the testing.
Successful completion of this programme will enable Provaris Energy to pursue certification and final class approvals from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) for the H2Neo carrier in the first quarter of the following year.
In parallel, Provaris Energy and Prodtex have agreed to collaborate on the development of a fully automated production and fabrication facility in Norway. This facility will focus on constructing compressed hydrogen cargo tanks for the H2Neo carriers and H2Leo storage barges.
The partners are actively engaged with Norwegian Government agencies to secure funding for the initial production line, scheduled to commence operations by mid-2025.
Moreover, the facility will also produce hydrogen storage tanks ranging from single to triple digit tonnage. This expansion into onshore storage solutions aims to grow Provaris’ intellectual property and commercial ventures into a substantial addressable market, with projections for a cash-flow generating business by 2025.
Prodtex will produce the automated steel structure at its state-of-the-art facility in Fiska, Norway.
“We eagerly anticipate achieving final stage approvals for our compressed hydrogen carrier and storage solutions, with approval expected in 2024, verified through physical tank prototype tests,” Provaris chief technical officer Per Roed said.
“This partnership is a game-changer for efficient and cost-effective hydrogen storage and transportation.
“Moreover, it enables Norway with an opportunity to reclaim its position as a leader in innovative ship design and construction, and opens up a substantial addressable market for hydrogen storage.”
Provaris managing director and chief executive officer Martin Carolan added: “Following the recent collaboration agreements in Norway for the development of export hydrogen supply chains, the alignment of project feasibility and FEED-level studies with final class approvals strengthens our position as an early mover for green hydrogen supply in Europe.
“Making the appointment of DNV for dual class adds credibility to our innovative shipping development programme, complemented by the expertise of our partner, ABS, as leaders in compressed gas carriers.
“Provaris’ ambitious plan for a tank production facility aligns with Norway’s announced Green Alliance with the European Union, reinforcing support for its ambitions for energy transition, while also developing a new industry for manufacturing jobs, export revenue from regional Norway and an early cashflow generating business for the company in 2025.
