Enagás launches public participation plan for 44 km hydrogen backbone in Murcia

Launch and purpose

Enagás unveiled the Conceptual Public Participation Plan (PCPP) for the Spanish Hydrogen Backbone Network in the Region of Murcia at a meeting with regional authorities. The process aims to develop the infrastructure in collaboration with local communities, public authorities and businesses to maximise economic, social and environmental value and promote renewable-hydrogen linked industrial opportunities.

Route and local activities

The Backbone Network will include 44 kilometres of hydrogen pipeline through six municipalities (Cartagena, Murcia, San Javier, Torre-Pacheco, La Unión and Los Alcázares), forming part of the Levante Axis (Montesa–Cartagena). Most of the pipeline will run parallel to the existing natural gas network, and the Escombreras Valley (Cartagena) is identified as a potential aggregation hub for future production and consumption projects.

The Conceptual Public Participation Plan in Murcia runs until 3 July and features two in-person participatory events (Cartagena and Murcia) and six information points across the affected municipalities.

Scale and participatory framework

The Murcia process is part of Spain’s largest public participation plan for hydrogen infrastructure, covering 13 autonomous communities and more than 500 municipalities over 18 months. The Plan seeks to provide transparent information, encourage active territorial participation, address concerns and incorporate social and environmental solutions from an early stage. The project for the first axes of the Spanish Hydrogen Backbone involves around 2,600 kilometres of hydrogen infrastructure; the hydrogen economy is expected to generate over €32 billion of GDP in Spain and contribute to the maintenance of about 81,000 jobs during Backbone development.