How to navigate the funding landscape?

On Friday, 5 December, Risavika Hydrogen Hub Arena brought together participants from industry, research and the public sector for a webinar on how to best use national and regional funding instruments to realise industrial development projects. The goal was to give attendees a practical overview of support schemes, barriers and opportunities for building strong projects within hydrogen and circular value chains.

From single case to large-scale projects

Emelie Langmyr-Eriksen (NORCE) shared experiences from Biosirkel and demonstrated how strong cases, strategic partnerships and targeted proposal development can unlock significant funding. A clear example is the project on phosphorus recovery from fish sludge, which began as a pilot and has since triggered over NOK 150 million in EU funding, as well as a Green Platform application worth NOK 95 million.

The process illustrates the importance of understanding value chain challenges, mobilising partners early and developing cases that can scale internationally.

Industrial symbiosis requires long-term effort

On behalf of Anne Stine Hovland from Grøn Region Vestland, Langmyr-Eriksen also presented findings from a new report within the Missions initiative on industrial symbiosis. Counties point to several recurring barriers:

• unclear regulations and investment uncertainty
• project-based funding that does not support long-term value chain development
• lack of financing for the facilitator role
• limited private capital available for emerging circular technologies

At the same time, the mapping shows that several national instruments are underutilised, while Forregion is fully used and considered a critical mechanism. A new industrial symbiosis guide outlines which funding instruments are suitable for different phases – from mapping to implementation.

Innovation Norway: Networks need a clear purpose

Hans Kristian Torske (Innovation Norway) emphasised that networks succeed best when companies share a clear objective and have strong internal anchoring. The Business Network scheme and the funding for circular green value chains provide structure for maturing collaboration and developing projects. The scheme has been extended to 2026, and funding is still available.

Torske encouraged networks to think long-term and build plans that can lead to substantial national and international funding pathways.

Rogaland County: Important regional schemes

Marit Fosse (Rogaland fylkeskommune) presented regional funding instruments that support R&D and green transition:

• Forregion – feasibility funding and competence brokering between companies and research environments.
• Ulla Førre Fund – support for large-scale green transition projects (minimum NOK 2 million).
• Bærekraftig omstilling i Rogaland (BOR) – work to consolidate and target the county's schemes to meet future needs.

Join the RHH Network

Want to stay updated and receive invitations to upcoming meetings and webinars? Register here.

Get in touch

Do you have questions or want to explore opportunities for collaboration? Contact:

• Hans Kleivdal (NORCE) – hakl@norceresearch.no
• Emelie Langmyr-Eriksen (NORCE) – aeri@norceresearch.no

Next webinar

Risavika Hydrogen Hub Arena will soon invite you to a new webinar offering an overview of EU funding opportunities. The date will be announced, and network members will receive an invitation as soon as the programme is ready.

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