The first green hydrogen plant in Spain will be operational in Amorebieta in 2022

The first green hydrogen plant, which will take advantage of the infrastructures of a conventional generation plant and the distribution gas network nationwide, will be operational in Amorebieta (Bizkaia) in 2022. The initial investment is 50 million for 20 MW, but the goal is to expand the generation capacity to 200 MW before 2030, which will involve a total injection of 300 million. Sener, Nortegas, White Summit Capital, Castleton Commodities International (CCI) and Bizkaia Energía are the promoters of the project.

The project will develop a green hydrogen plant with a capacity of 20 MW in the existing gas and electricity infrastructures of the Amorebieta-Boroa combined cycle power plant (CCGT), located in Bizkaia. The goal is to generate 1,500 tons of green hydrogen per year from 100% renewable sources, through green certificates of origin and PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements), which will avoid the emission of more than 12,000 tons of _CO2 into the atmosphere.

Part of the green hydrogen generated will be used in Bizkaia Energía’s own gas-fired CCGT plant in order to reduce _CO2 emissions. In addition, hydrogen will be injected into Nortegas’ current distribution network, where it will be mixed with natural gas, decarbonizing a part of current energy consumption.

This hydrogen may also be dedicated in part to meeting specific H2 supply needs in local industry, or to the storage of liquid hydrogen through chemical carriers.

Installation of ‘hydrogenera’

In addition, a hydrogen (hydrogen) service station will be installed, designed to cover the transport needs of local public-private fleets of heavy vehicles that can be powered by hydrogen.

Thanks to the strategic location of the plant, and the competitive advantages provided by the project, part of the hydrogen production could be exported or valued through the sale of certificates of origin to other European countries.

This project, which will also be developed through a digital twin model, a pioneer at the national level, is the first of its kind for the development of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source and key in the process of decarbonization of the Spanish energy sector.

The plant will generate sustainable employment in the region, by providing a future beyond conventional generation to the current facilities in Boroa.

Source: The Economist