Hystar awards contract for 4.5GW automated electrolyser manufacturing line

Hystar has given thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering the contract for Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for its new automated electrolyser manufacturing line in Høvik, Norway. This is an important step in Hystar’s plan to boost its production, aiming to grow from 100 MW to a much larger gigawatt-scale facility.

One notable feature of Hystar’s new factory is its small size, needing only 2,500 m² for assembling stacks, quality checks, and testing. Although this compact design is seen as innovative, it’s unclear how it will affect production efficiency and scalability. In an industry where space is usually plentiful, the focus on a small footprint raises questions about whether this choice is based on necessity rather than strategic planning.

Hystar’s use of an existing, high-volume supply chain to quickly increase production has both advantages and potential risks. While using established suppliers can speed up production, it also means that Hystar’s growth depends on factors outside its control. In the fast-changing green hydrogen market, where supply chain issues can cause major problems, this strategy might need to be reconsidered to ensure long-term stability.

Hystar’s CEO, Fredrik Mowill, emphasized that the automated factory is crucial for the company’s ability to handle large green hydrogen projects. However, the factory’s success will depend not just on its construction but also on how well Hystar can use this new capacity to compete in a busy and competitive market. The partnership with thyssenkrupp is a promising start, but it’s uncertain if it will be enough to make Hystar a leader in the hydrogen industry.