Vireon AS to become the largest supplier of hydrogen for heavy transport in the Nordics.
“We have an ambitious growth strategy, and this is just the beginning. We are approaching a breakthrough for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty transport in the Nordics. Launching Vireon brings us one step closer”, says CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen, Jens Berge.
The new subsidiary that will build and operate the hydrogen refueling stations will be led by Per Øyvind Voie, who says:
“In order to phase out today's fossil fuel-powered trucks, we have to build more refueling stations for hydrogen. We will make hydrogen available for heavy transport and ensure that emissions are reduced, in close cooperation with both operators and authorities.”
Encourages potential customers to make contact
Voie calls upon all heavy transport operators who are considering hydrogen and promises both speed and willingness to invest.
“We have already shown that we mean business by investing in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. We want to speed things up, and make hydrogen a full-fledged alternative for heavy transport, quickly. Hence, we want to engage in dialogue with all transport operators who are considering hydrogen, so we can look at opportunities that can be pursued together”, he says.
The first Vireon refueling station in Norway will be ready in 2023, and the green hydrogen will be supplied by Norwegian Hydrogen. The company has received grants to build the first refueling stations in Sweden and Finland, and work to open these as soon as possible. The first station in Denmark will soon be announced, and refueling stations will in the years to come be built at a much greater pace.
“We will grow quickly and are actively looking at acquisition opportunities as well as strategic collaborations”, says Voie.
Nordic countries are lagging behind
The Nordic countries have long trailed the rest of Europe in terms of hydrogen infrastructure. Vireon aims to do something about this.. There are several exciting, upcoming deals that soon can be shared with the public.
“You will both see and hear a lot about Vireon in the near future. We will become the leading company for hydrogen refueling stations in the Nordics”, says Voie.
Marielle Furnes Mannseth is Group Brand & Sustainability Officer at Norwegian Hydrogen. She explains that the name Vireon is a combination of the Latin word Vireo, which means "I am green" and on, which is "on, connected".
“This is a name that represents the fundamental value of the company and works well internationally. It therefore feels great to finally be able to share this”, she concludes.
