© SAMSUNG E&A

SAMSUNG E&A has launched CompassH2, a 100MW green hydrogen plant concept developed with Norwegian electrolyser specialist Nel. The solution integrates Nel’s alkaline electrolyser stacks with SAMSUNG E&A’s system-level engineering to deliver what it claims is the “lowest achievable” levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH).

Scalable, Integrated Plant Concept

Starting at 100MW, CompassH2 is designed to scale with project needs. The package offers a full-service model, covering feasibility studies, EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction), and warranty — giving developers an end-to-end platform to accelerate deployment.

Nel-Samsung E&A Partnership Deepens

Earlier this year, SAMSUNG E&A acquired a 9.1% stake in Nel for NKr 353 million ($34 million), becoming its largest single corporate shareholder. The deal marked the beginning of a strategic partnership to co-develop and commercialize integrated hydrogen solutions.

“Nel is very pleased with the partnership and the commercialisation of its plant,” said Håkon Volldal, CEO of Nel.

Cost Focus: Capex Optimization, Performance Guarantees

While renewable power pricing remains the dominant factor in green hydrogen costs — typically accounting for 50–75% of LCOH — SAMSUNG E&A emphasizes its ability to reduce capex through systems engineering and streamlined integration. The company also claims improved performance guarantees for developers.

No specific capex or opex data has been shared yet. Additional details are expected during the official unveiling at the World Hydrogen Summit next week.

Trend Toward EPC-Electrolyser Alliances

The partnership between Nel and SAMSUNG E&A reflects a broader industry shift. Electrolyser firms are increasingly teaming up with EPC companies to deliver full-package solutions. Notable examples include HydrogenPro with Andritz, and Rely — a joint venture between John Cockerill Hydrogen and Technip Energies. U.S.-based Electric Hydrogen has also offered a 100MW prefabricated plant model.

Nel Refocuses as Financial Pressures Mount

Nel has faced delays in project execution and softer order flow, prompting a strategic shift. In January, the company paused alkaline electrolyser production at its Herøya facility and implemented workforce reductions. It is now concentrating on core electrolyser stack manufacturing while relying on EPC partners like SAMSUNG E&A to deliver complete plant solutions.

Outlook: Consolidation and Simplified Delivery Models

As financing tightens and hydrogen projects become more risk-averse, integrated delivery models are becoming more attractive. Developers are looking for fewer handovers, lower upfront costs, and faster deployment. The Nel-SAMSUNG E&A alliance positions itself to meet that demand — combining proven electrolyser technology with large-scale project execution expertise.