Major hydrogen initiative in Västernorrland and West Sweden
Following the funding of the application process by Climate Leading Process Industry, we are pleased and proud to announce that the EU-funded project High Coast to West Coast Hydrogen Valley (HiWhyV) has now been launched! The project contributes to the implementation of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and supports the transition towards a climate-neutral, competitive, resilient, and energy-independent Europe.
Kick-off for HiWhyV at World of Volvo in Gothenburg 20 January 2026.
A Hydrogen Valley is a regional ecosystem where the production, distribution, storage, and use of hydrogen are interconnected across multiple sectors. The project brings together industry, research, and public actors to demonstrate hydrogen systems on a commercial scale. This creates the necessary conditions for technical maturity and cost reductions.
“We have worked for a long time towards a Hydrogen Valley in West Sweden, and it is finally a reality. We are convinced that this is a major step forward towards a more sustainable energy supply for our members, and we believe that doing this together with Västernorrland and other European countries can lead to exciting synergies, says Hanna Paradis”, Programme Manager for Climate Leading Process Industry.
“It is incredibly gratifying to see that the work carried out in the projects funded via Climate Leading Process Industry, 'Hydrogen on the West Coast' and 'Regional Collaboration on Hydrogen', has led to the submission of an application for a Hydrogen Valley”, says Maria Edvall, who leads the Energy and Hydrogen focus area within Climate Leading Process Industry.
HiWhy is coordinated by RISE, bringing together 45 partners from industry, research, and the public sector, with a total budget of nearly 20 million euros. The six-year project is funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme, via the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Within the framework of the project, the goal is to produce at least 4,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030.
The project covers the entire hydrogen chain – from production and distribution to use in industrial applications, transport, and the production of e-fuels – and aims to create scalable and replicable solutions with clear European added value. The project is being carried out alongside partners from Spain, Greece, and Germany, which enables the exchange of experience and is a vital prerequisite for replication in other European regions.
“Sweden has a unique opportunity to produce hydrogen at a low cost, which can provide us with a real competitive advantage and strengthen the energy independence of both Sweden and Europe”, says Magnus Hallberg, Divisional Manager for Bioeconomy at RISE.
Read more about the project at ri.se >>
Hydrogen on the West Coast
Regional collaboration around hydrogen gas
West Coast Hydrogen Valley
Hanna Paradis
