Iberdrola tests 100% renewable-steam electrification at Bayer's Asturias plant
- Trials will supply 100% renewable steam to Bayer's La Felguera acetylsalicylic-acid plant.
- The project will avoid approximately 6,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
- Steam production is electrified and paired with a molten-salt thermal storage system to deliver steam on demand.
- Supply is backed by a 15 MW long-term renewable PPA and a 2.5 MW self-consumption PV installation; investment exceeds €18 million and the deal is structured via a long-term Heat Purchase Agreement (HPA).
Project scope
Iberdrola España has begun testing to supply 100% renewable steam to Bayer's plant in La Felguera, Asturias, which produces acetylsalicylic acid for markets worldwide.
Technology
The installation replaces fossil fuels with electricity and combines electrified steam production with a molten salt thermal storage system. The storage allows the facility to use electricity when renewable generation is highest and prices are more competitive, and to produce steam whenever required by the industrial process.
Commercial structure and capacity
To meet the plant's entire steam demand Iberdrola developed a 15 MW long-term renewable Power Purchase Agreement and a 2.5 MW self-consumption solar photovoltaic installation. The initiative is structured through a long-term Heat Purchase Agreement (HPA).
Investment and impact
The project involved an investment of more than €18 million and will prevent the emission of approximately 6,500 tonnes of CO₂ a year. It represents Spain's first large-scale industrial heat electrification project incorporating thermal storage and advances industrial heat electrification to reduce emissions, lower dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen industrial competitiveness.
Source: Iberdrola