Nel ASA and Rheinmetall AG have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore joint opportunities in decentralised renewable fuel production, supporting critical infrastructure and energy security.

The agreement, announced on October 13, 2026, in Oslo, will combine Nel's electrolyser technology with Rheinmetall's Giga PtX concept and systems-integration expertise to assess scalable, modular solutions for the localised production of low-carbon synthetic fuels for defence and critical infrastructure applications.

A partnership built on complementary strengths

Under the collaboration, the parties will explore the deployment of decentralised synthetic fuel production based on renewable hydrogen produced through electrolysis.

The synthetic fuels produced this way can substitute conventional fuels without requiring changes to end-use applications.

By producing fuels closer to where they are needed, the collaboration aims to reduce reliance on centralised production and long, vulnerable supply chains, strengthening energy security and preparedness through a more decentralised fuel supply system.

Nel will contribute its electrolyser technology for renewable hydrogen production, while Rheinmetall will contribute its Giga PtX concept, systems-integration capabilities, and experience in strategic infrastructure.

Rheinmetall has been seeking and announcing strategic tie-ups with local champions for specific markets as part of its Giga PtX project, and the agreement with Nel expands its partner network for the Norwegian market.

Energy security in a tense geopolitical climate

The two companies frame the partnership against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension, in which secure access to fuels has become an increasingly important part of national preparedness.

According to the announcement, many countries remain dependent on imported fuels or refined products supplied through long, centralised logistics chains. Producing fuels closer to where they are consumed can reduce exposure to disruption and strengthen national and regional energy security. The companies say this challenge is particularly evident in Norway.

With only one oil refinery in operation, the country exports significant volumes of crude oil to Europe for refining before refined products are transported back for domestic use.

In times of disruption, this can leave parts of the fuel supply chain dependent on infrastructure beyond national control.

"Countries that depend on long and vulnerable fuel supply chains face increasing uncertainty. We believe renewable hydrogen can play an important role in enabling more resilient fuel systems while reducing emissions," said Kjell Christian Bjørnsen, CFO of Nel.

"Through this collaboration with Rheinmetall, we are exploring how our technology can be integrated into new value chains for synthetic fuels."

Rheinmetall sees potential in next-generation fuel ecosystems

Rheinmetall brings extensive industrial expertise in defence, advanced systems engineering, and infrastructure development, and the company sees strong potential in next-generation fuel ecosystems, according to the press release.

"The transformation of energy systems requires new partnerships across industries," said Shena Britzen, Head of the Hydrogen Program of Rheinmetall AG.

"By working with Nel, we are exploring decentralised synthetic fuel solutions that can support both civilian and defence-related needs. We see localised synthetic fuel production, enabled by electrolysis, as an important element in strengthening energy security and future fuel supply chains."

Why Norway is the natural starting point

Norway represents a natural starting point for the cooperation, given its strong renewable power base, industrial capabilities, and ongoing development of carbon capture and utilisation value chains.

However, the scope of the cooperation is not limited geographically. Norway's energy system, the companies note, is characterised less by a shortage of electricity generation than by constraints in transmission and distribution.

Decentralised fuel production can enable renewable energy to be converted and used closer to the source, creating additional flexibility in how renewable power resources are utilised while potentially reducing pressure on existing infrastructure.

Feasibility studies and potential pilots

Under the MoU, Nel and Rheinmetall will jointly assess technical and commercial feasibility, including potential sites, infrastructure requirements, renewable power access, sustainable carbon sources, and priority use cases.

The cooperation may also include pilot projects to validate modular concepts and demonstrate the viability of decentralised fuel ecosystems. The MoU is non-binding, and any further steps will be subject to mutual agreement and ongoing assessments.

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