Friday’s trading session delivered a substantial blow to hopes for a sustained recovery in the hydrogen sector. Rather than building on recent positive momentum, investors retreated, leaving shares of hydrogen company Nel ASA notably lower. The sharp decline heading into the weekend raises a critical question for market participants: has the recent euphoria already evaporated, or does this pullback present a fresh entry opportunity?
Widespread Sector Weakness Hits Nel
The broader market environment on Friday was challenging, with Nel ASA experiencing the full force of the selling pressure. The company’s equity declined 4.40% to close at 2.30 Norwegian kroner. This performance stands in stark contrast to the broader Oslo market, where the benchmark OBX index registered a more modest retreat of 1.10%. This significant underperformance confirms a short-term downward trajectory for the stock.
Market sentiment in the hydrogen space has turned decidedly negative. Trading activity in Oslo highlighted the bearish tone, with 178 declining stocks overshadowing just 73 advancers. Nel ASA found itself among the session’s notable underperformers. The descent to 2.30 NOK represents a crucial test for near-term stability, effectively erasing the recovery efforts seen earlier in the week.
Record Contract Fails to Sustain Momentum
The timing of this sell-off is particularly noteworthy given recent operational successes. In early November, the company announced a firm purchase order valued at over $50 million for its HyFuel and Kaupanes hydrogen projects in Norway. This contract, involving the supply of 40 MW of PEM electrolyser equipment, represents the largest PEM order in Nel’s corporate history.
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However, the market’s initial positive reaction proved short-lived. Investor focus has rapidly shifted back toward short-term trading dynamics and broader sector concerns. Friday’s sell-off demonstrates that participants are currently prioritizing profit-taking and risk reduction over the long-term growth narrative supported by major contract wins.
Key factual developments:
- Daily Performance: Share price decline of 4.40%
- Closing Price: Settled at 2.30 NOK
- Market Context: Significant underperformance versus the OBX Index (-1.10%)
- Current Situation: Momentum from the $50 million deal has stalled
Technical Positioning Worsens
From a technical analysis perspective, Nel ASA’s chart structure has deteriorated. The clear breakdown indicates sellers are currently in control. Market behavior has become completely disconnected from the positive fundamental news regarding new industrial partnerships in the short term.
This negative price action correlates with a broad “risk-off” sentiment affecting Oslo-listed equities, particularly those in the technology and renewable energy sectors. With the stock closing near its daily lows, the 2.30 NOK level becomes a critical focal point. Whether this price zone can establish a foundation for stabilization or whether the correction will extend further remains uncertain. For now, caution continues to dominate market sentiment toward the hydrogen specialist.
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