Andalusia bets on renewable hydrogen

Andalusia, Cepsa invests €3 billion to build the largest renewable hydrogen hub in Europe.

A large hydrogen hub

In Andalusia, Cepsa’s investment in the construction of the largest hydrogen hub in Europe will generate 10,000 direct jobs. This investment will also generate indirect and induced jobs. Thus, it will be necessary to start up two new plants with a total capacity of 2GW.

The production would reach up to 300,000 tons of renewable hydrogen. The two new plants are located in Campo de Gibraltar (Cadiz) and Palos de la Frontera (Huelva), in Andalusia. In addition, the Andalusian Green Valley of Hydrogen will contribute to decarbonize the industry.

Land, air and heavy maritime transport will also reduce CO2 emissions by 6 million tons. Cepsa’s CEO, Maarten Wetselaar, states:

“The Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley is a groundbreaking project with a 2 GW capacity that is 10 times larger than the largest under construction in Europe today. The project produces large-scale renewable hydrogen that can decarbonize industry, aviation and heavy road and sea transport in Europe for Europe.”

Cepsa signed an agreement with the Port of Rotterdam to create the first renewable hydrogen corridor between southern and northern Europe.

A hydrogen corridor

It will allow the export of green ammonia and methanol. A project presented at an event attended by representatives of the Spanish government. In addition, the CEO of Cepsa was also present.

The project thus reinforces Spain’s ambition to lead the energy transition. It will also guarantee an independent energy supply for Europe. Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, president of the regional government of Andalusia, says:

“We are talking about the great energy source of the future, which can decarbonize industry, mobility and households. Andalusia has the position and strength to lead the production and export of renewable hydrogen, and public-private collaboration can strengthen our position in the production of this clean energy carrier. That is why we are setting up an Andalusian Alliance for Renewable Hydrogen in which the administration and all interested parties will participate.”

This corporate strategy, “Positive Motion”, represents 50% of the renewable hydrogen production for all of Spain by 2030. The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, says:

“This investment will help Spain achieve its goal of becoming an energy exporting country, with the first European renewable hydrogen corridor between Campo de Gibraltar and the Dutch port of Rotterdam. Andalusia has everything it takes to become one of the most competitive regions in the world for hydrogen production.”

Finally, Cepsa’s shares are spread across Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, Portugal, Italy and Germany.