European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Iberdrola and Fertiberia to Build Europe's Largest Green Hydrogen Plant

At a glance
  • Investment of 150 million euros to build the plant in Puertollano, operational in 2021.
  • The plant will include a 100 MW solar plant, 20 MWh battery system, and 20 MW electrolytic hydrogen production.
  • Green hydrogen will be used at Fertiberia's ammonia plant, reducing natural gas requirements by over 10%.
  • The project will create 700 jobs and reduce CO2 emissions by 39,000 t/year.

Project Overview

Iberdrola and Fertiberia are investing 150 million euros to construct Europe's largest green hydrogen plant in Puertollano, operational in 2021. The plant will feature a 100 MW photovoltaic solar plant, a 20 MWh lithium-ion battery system, and a 20 MW electrolytic hydrogen production system.

Green Hydrogen Production

Iberdrola will produce green hydrogen from 100% renewable sources. The hydrogen will be used at Fertiberia's ammonia plant, which will be updated to manufacture green fertilizers. This will reduce the plant's natural gas requirements by over 10% and position Fertiberia as a leader in large-scale green ammonia generation.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The project will create 700 jobs during its development and construction phases. Once operational, it will avoid the emission of 39,000 tons of CO2 per year, contributing to the decarbonization of the industrial sector.

Technological Advancements

The initiative aims to mature green hydrogen production technology, making it a viable solution for efficient decarbonization in the medium term. This is crucial for industries that use hydrogen as a raw material and for processes that are difficult to decarbonize.

Hydrogen Production Context

Spain's annual hydrogen production is estimated at 0.5 million tons, primarily from fossil fuels, generating 5 million tons of CO2 annually. Globally, hydrogen production accounts for 830 million tons of CO2 emissions per year. Decarbonizing this production with renewable energy could increase electricity demand by over 10%.