The King of the Netherlands in Norway

The purpose of this working visit, which includes both Norway and Denmark, is to expand cooperation between the three countries in the field of green hydrogen. Research, innovation, and knowledge sharing are essential for developing the European hydrogen market.

Building the necessary infrastructure on land and at sea, decarbonizing the maritime industry, and collaborating on carbon capture and storage are high on the agenda during the visit. A Dutch business delegation is accompanying King Willem-Alexander.

Producing green hydrogen

The day began in Høvik, where the company Hystar has its innovation lab. Hystar produces electrolysers, a technology that plays an important role in the production of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is considered to be a clean energy source that can be used across various industries and modes of transportation to reduce carbon emissions.

CEO Fredrik Mowill gave a tour of Hystar's Innovation Lab. King Willem-Alexander and Crown Prince Haakon were accompanied by Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth during the visit. Photo: Terje Bendiksby, NTB

After the visit to Hystar, the Crown Prince accompanied King Willem-Alexander to a roundtable discussion on the role of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives in decarbonizing the maritime sector.

Mayor Anne Lindboe accompanied King Willem-Alexander and Crown Prince Haakon to a roundtable discussion at Oslo City Hall. Photo: Lise Åserud, NTB 

Private luncheon

Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja invited King Willem-Alexander to a lunch in honor of today's visit, with Crown Prince Haakon and Her Highness Princess Astrid also in attendance.

King Harald and Queen Sonja invited King Willem-Alexander to lunch at the Royal Palace, with Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Astrid also in attendance. Photo: Liv Anette Luane, The Royal Court

Carbon Capture on the West Coast

On Wednesday, King Willem-Alexander visited the west coast, where he toured the hydrogen producer ZEG at Kollsnes and the Northern Lights facility in Øygarden. The facility is working on infrastructure for carbon transport and storage. The goal is to provide a secure and permanent storage solution for captured carbon.

King Willem-Alexander visited the Northern Lights facility in Øygarden. Photo: Silje Katrine Robinson / NTB

There was also an opportunity to visit the historic Bryggen in Bergen. The UNESCO-protected buildings from the Hanseatic period are an important reminder of several centuries of economic cooperation between Norway and the Netherlands.

King Willem-Alexander also visited Bryggen in Bergen, accompanied by the head of the Hanseatic Museum, Elisabeth Bjørsvik, and Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Boby Jaffery. Photo: Silje Katrine Robinson / NTB

 
King Willem-Alexander concludes his visit to Norway with a boat trip in Oslo harbor and an introduction to various green initiatives undertaken in the harbor.