Nilsson Energy and Weldin: Collaboration that generates positive energy
Green hydrogen will play an important role in the transition to a fossil-free society. But the technology is still in its infancy and success requires many experts to work together. Hydrogen pioneer Nilsson Energy and pipe specialist Weldin have found the way forward, together.
Nilsson Energy started as a classic ‘napkin idea’ in 2016.
– We – Hans-Olof Nilsson, Pontus Lundgren and I – stopped for coffee at Café Nordpolen in Vara after a business meeting in Mariestad. As we sat there with our coffee, we started talking about the role of hydrogen in the green transition. We saw its potential and started sketching out the structure and vision for Nilsson Energy on a napkin. Since then, we have worked night and day to realise our vision,’ says Martina Wettin, who, in addition to being one of the founders, also works with strategic business and partnerships.
Today, the company has 35 employees with specialised expertise and also works with sub-consultants to create robust and safe hydrogen solutions.
– Green hydrogen and hydrogen solutions outside the industrial fence are a young industry, which means that we and the industry have had to learn everything from scratch – both what works and what does not.
But now the technology is maturing, and hydrogen has become accepted as an important solution for the climate transition. Society and businesses have realised that hydrogen will be relevant, both as a storage medium for renewable energy and as a fuel to phase out fossil fuels.
Hydrogen turnkey solutions
Nilsson Energy’s business concept is as simple as it is complex: design and delivery of turnkey hydrogen solutions, including hydrogen plants for small-scale and local production to large-scale hydrogen plants for hydrogen factories. The company’s offering covers the entire spectrum from consulting services and feasibility studies to customised design solutions, construction, installation, operation and service. Customers include industrial companies currently using fossil gas in their operations, transport companies seeking their own hydrogen production for fuel supply, the automotive industry and research activities seeking their own hydrogen production for testing or fuel supply, and public organisations seeking to secure their energy supply, both in the short and long term.
Decentralisation is a key word
– We aim to secure the Swedish energy system and increase the resilience of society and businesses to disruptions, while promoting independence from fossil fuels. By implementing many smaller localised systems using hydrogen as an energy source, we create a secure energy supply and reduce vulnerability to external influences. Our focus is therefore on developing robust and safe local systems for both business and society,’ explains Martina Wettin.
”The facilities we build are surrounded by complex fire and safety legislation, so it’s reassuring to have access to Weldin’s expertise.’
High standards of documentation
Nilsson Energy has its development and design department in Lindholmen and an assembly plant in Säve, just outside Gothenburg. In Säve, components, control and regulation systems are assembled for hydrogen production in modular cabinets or in 20-foot containers. - ‘Installation and welding on site at the customer’s premises is carried out by us at Weldin, who also support the development of new solutions and documentation,’ says Magnus Krantz, project manager at Weldin.
Quality and traceability is a critical point because hydrogen is transported under high pressure.
The pressure in the pipes can be up to 500 bar, which places high demands on materials, assembly, welding and documentation. Everything must be traceable down to the smallest detail. We have a slight advantage here because we have extensive experience of working with the pharmaceutical and food industries, which also have high documentation requirements. Because the technology is so new, each project can be considered a pilot.
– ‘Working closely together, combining our competences, is not only a prerequisite for success. It will also be our joint contribution to driving development forward,’ says Magnus Krantz.
“Good partnerships”
This is a view shared by Martina Wettin:
’The facilities we build are surrounded by complex legislation regarding fire and safety, so it feels safe to have access to Weldin’s expertise. As we operate in an area affected by climate policy, it is important that we work at a strategically high level and in good partnerships with our suppliers. For us, it is extremely important that we have a good dialogue and can follow each other’s technology development. Generosity and long-term relationships are the prerequisites for us to succeed together,’ concludes Martina Wettin.
We aim to secure the Swedish energy system and increase the resilience of society and businesses to disruptions, while promoting independence from fossil fuels.
Martina Wettin, co-founder of Nilsson Energy and passionate about the green transition.