European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Repsol Starts Renewable Hydrogen Production at Petronor Refinery

At a glance
  • Investment of 11 million euros for a 2.5 MW electrolyzer producing 350 tons of renewable hydrogen annually.
  • Future plans include 10 MW and 100 MW electrolyzers at Petronor, with the latter recognized as an IPCEI.
  • Repsol will install 100 MW and 150 MW electrolyzers in Cartagena and Tarragona, respectively.
  • Repsol produces 360,000 tons of hydrogen annually, meeting 60% of Spain's demand.

Electrolyzer Investment and Production

Repsol has invested 11 million euros in a 2.5 MW electrolyzer at its Petronor industrial center in Biscay, Spain. This facility can generate 350 tons of renewable hydrogen annually, primarily for industrial use within the refinery to produce products with a lower carbon footprint.

Hydrogen for Transport and Infrastructure

The renewable hydrogen also powers buses and heavy transport at the Abanto Zierbana Technology Park, facilitated by the Basque Country’s first hydrogen refueling station. This station receives hydrogen via a pipeline installed by Nortegas.

Future Expansion Plans

Repsol plans to install additional electrolyzers at Petronor, including units with capacities of 10 MW and 100 MW. The 100 MW unit has been recognized as an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) by the European Commission. Similar installations are planned for Repsol’s other industrial centers in Spain, including a 100 MW unit in Cartagena and a 150 MW unit in Tarragona, the latter being the largest in Spain and selected for funding under the Innovation Fund program.

Hydrogen Production Leadership

Repsol is the leading producer and consumer of hydrogen in Spain, producing around 360,000 tons annually, which accounts for nearly 60% of the country’s demand. The company aims to deploy a network of renewable hydrogen supply points near its industrial centers and main logistics corridors.

Regional Hydrogen Initiatives

The start-up of the electrolyzer is a significant step for the Basque Hydrogen Corridor (BH2C), aimed at creating an efficient ecosystem for hydrogen production, transformation, and logistics. Repsol is also involved in other regional hydrogen initiatives, including the Hydrogen Valley of Catalonia and the Hydrogen Valley of the Region of Murcia.

Project timeline

Repsol Bilbao Petronor 2.5 MW electrolyzer for Hydrogen - Spain
Planned
2022
Execution
2023
Completed
2023-10-01
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Project timeline

Repsol IQOXE MesserTarragona 150 MW Renewable hydrogen unit - Spain
Planned
2022-09
On hold
2024-10
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Project timeline

Repsol Cartagena refinery 100 MW renewable hydrogen unit - Spain
Planned
2023-10
On hold
2024-10
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Project timeline

Repsol Bilbao Petronor 100 MW renewable Hydrogen unit - Spain
Planned
2023-10
On hold
2024
Keep track of this project with
chemXplore Analytics
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