Iberdrola brings 100 MW Puertollano green hydrogen plant online for industrial demand in Spain – Energies Media

Project Report: Iberdrola’s Puertollano Green Hydrogen Facility

Executive Summary

Iberdrola has commissioned a 100 MW green hydrogen production facility in Puertollano, Spain. This project represents a significant advancement in the nation’s renewable energy strategy and directly supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plant, powered entirely by renewable sources, will supply green hydrogen to the industrial sector, primarily for ammonia production at a local Fertiberia facility. With a total investment of 150 million euros, the project is a cornerstone of Spain’s ambition to become a leader in the European green hydrogen market.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Puertollano plant is a practical implementation of key SDG principles, contributing to a sustainable and equitable energy transition.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The facility operates on 100% renewable energy, utilizing a dedicated 100 MW photovoltaic solar system.
• It incorporates a 20 MWh lithium-ion battery storage system to ensure a consistent and reliable power supply for hydrogen production.
• By producing green hydrogen, the project directly increases the share of renewable energy in the final energy consumption of the industrial sector, aligning with SDG Target 7.2.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The plant is a pioneering piece of industrial infrastructure, representing one of the largest electrolytic hydrogen production systems globally.
• It facilitates the decarbonization of industrial processes by supplying green hydrogen to Fertiberia’s ammonia plant, promoting cleaner and more environmentally sound industrial practices as per SDG Target 9.4.
• The project leverages innovative technology, including the Proton PEM® electrolysis solution from Nel Hydrogen Electrolyser.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The facility’s primary environmental benefit is the significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
• It is projected to prevent the emission of 48,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, contributing directly to climate change mitigation efforts.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The 150 million euro investment stimulates economic activity in the region.
• The initiative is projected to create up to 1,000 jobs during its development and operational phases, fostering local economic growth.

Technical and Operational Specifications

The facility’s design integrates renewable power generation, energy storage, and advanced electrolysis to ensure efficient and sustainable hydrogen production.

1. Power Source: A 100 MW photovoltaic solar system provides the electricity required for the electrolysis process.
2. Energy Storage: A lithium-ion battery system with a storage capacity of 20 MWh is integrated to manage power intermittency and optimize plant operations.
3. Hydrogen Production: The electrolysis system, supplied by Nel Hydrogen Electrolyser, is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
4. Primary Offtaker: The green hydrogen produced will be utilized by Fertiberia’s local ammonia plant, which has a production capacity exceeding 200,000 tonnes per year.

Strategic Context and Future Outlook

Spain’s National Hydrogen Strategy

• The plant is strategically located near Spain’s National Hydrogen Centre, reinforcing the region’s status as a hub for hydrogen innovation.
• The project is part of a broader national trend, with other major companies like Repsol also investing in renewable hydrogen facilities.
• Iberdrola has announced further plans to develop 830 MW of green hydrogen capacity by 2027, with a planned investment of 1.8 billion euros, signaling a long-term commitment to advancing SDG 7.

Industry Recognition

• The project’s innovative approach and successful development have been recognized with the “Best Hydrogen Project of the Year” award by the AAE Spain Chapter during the 4th International Congress of Energy Engineering (iENER23).

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The article focuses on the development of a green hydrogen plant that is powered entirely by renewable energy. It explicitly states the plant features a “100 MW photovoltaic solar system” and relies on “100% renewable energy resources.” This directly addresses the goal of increasing the share of clean energy.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • The construction of the “100 MW Puertollano green hydrogen plant” represents a major investment in sustainable industrial infrastructure. The article highlights it as one of the “largest electrolytic hydrogen production systems in the world” and a “marvel of modern engineering,” which points to innovation and upgrading industrial capabilities for a greener economy.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • A key outcome of the project is its contribution to combating climate change. The article specifies that the initiative will “prevent emissions of 48,000 tCO2/year.” It also frames the development of green hydrogen as a solution to the “potential environmental crisis due to the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels.”

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The project contributes to economic growth and job creation. The article quotes a statement from Iberdrola’s website that “the initiative will create up to 1,000 jobs,” linking the investment in green technology directly to employment opportunities.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • The article illustrates collaboration between different entities to achieve sustainable development. Iberdrola is partnering with Fertiberia, which will use the green hydrogen produced. It also mentions that Iberdrola has plans “along with a few partners, to develop 830 MW of green hydrogen,” demonstrating a multi-stakeholder approach to scaling up the green hydrogen sector.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article directly supports this target by describing a plant that produces hydrogen using a “100 MW photovoltaic solar system” and “100% renewable energy resources,” thereby increasing the share of renewables in industrial energy consumption.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. The Puertollano plant is a new, clean technology infrastructure project. The green hydrogen it produces will be used by “Fertiberia’s local ammonia plant,” helping to make an existing industrial process more sustainable by replacing fossil-fuel-based hydrogen.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article describes Spain’s “embrace of the hydrogen sector” and its aim to “become a regional, and potentially global, leader in the green hydrogen sector” as a strategic shift away from fossil fuels. This indicates an integration of climate action into the country’s industrial and energy strategy.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men. The article’s mention that the project “will create up to 1,000 jobs” directly relates to this target by showing how investment in sustainable industries can generate employment.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The project is a result of partnerships between private sector companies like Iberdrola, Fertiberia, and Nel Hydrogen Electrolyser. The article also mentions future plans where Iberdrola will work “along with a few partners” on further investments, showcasing the importance of collaboration.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Renewable Energy Capacity and Production

   • The article provides specific metrics that can be used as indicators: the “100 MW photovoltaic solar system,” the “lithium-ion battery system with a storage capacity of 20 MWh,” and the plant’s reliance on “100% renewable energy.” These figures measure the scale of clean energy infrastructure.

2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction

   • A direct indicator mentioned is the prevention of “emissions of 48,000 tCO2/year.” This quantifies the project’s direct impact on climate change mitigation.

3. Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure

   • The article implies financial indicators for progress. It states the project involved an “investment of 150 million euros” and mentions future plans for an “investment of 1.8 billion euros until 2027” to develop 830 MW of green hydrogen. These figures measure the financial commitment to sustainable industry.

4. Job Creation in the Green Economy

   • The number of jobs created is a key indicator. The article explicitly states the project “will create up to 1,000 jobs,” providing a measurable social and economic outcome.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: energiesmedia.com