| Written by Gerald Ondry
Cespa (Madrid, Spain) has selected Siemens Energy AG (Germany) to supply 100 MW of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis technology for the production of green hydrogen at La Rabida Energy Park in Palos de la Frontera (Huelva). , Munich). ), southern Spain. Cepsa is developing 400MW of green hydrogen production in Huelva as part of a broader plan to increase capacity to 2GW by 2030 (1GW in Huelva and 1GW in Cadiz). This is the largest project of its kind in Europe. The first phase of the plan is still pending final investment decisions.
PEM electrolysis complements the use of alkaline water technology, which Cepsa has decided to implement in the remaining 300 MW of the project, which is under development with partner Fertiberia. The decision to use both technologies is an important step in this decade to build a European value chain for green hydrogen, an essential vector for industrial decarbonization and for heavy goods transport, air and sea transport across the continent. It is part of a supplier approach.
Carlos Barraza, Cepsa's executive vice president of commercial and clean energy, said: “Cepsa continues to execute on important strategic agreements to develop Andalusia’s Green Hydrogen Valley, allowing us to deliver vital green molecules to our customers while supporting them on their decarbonization journeys.” Producing green hydrogen at scale could provide Europe with a carbon-free energy system. The combination of electrolyzer technology allows Cepsa to manage technology risks and secure supply to customers. ”
Alexei Ustinov, Head of Sustainable Energy Systems at Siemens Energy, said: “There is no energy transition without green molecules, so we are pleased to be part of Cepsa's ‘Green Hydrogen Valley’ project.” The industry is ready and electrolyzer production capacity is no longer the bottleneck in expanding the hydrogen economy. there is no. The multi-gigawatt electrolyzer factory in Berlin is a case in point. However, funding approvals need to be approved at a faster pace and technical hurdles need to be lowered to ensure that such projects can make a decisive contribution to decarbonisation across Europe. ”
The partnership combines top German engineering with the excellent conditions of southern Spain to generate low-carbon electricity. The green electricity required for the manufacturing process is provided by solar and wind energy. Southern Spain has an abundance of energy, making it one of the most competitive locations in Europe for green hydrogen production. The region also has access to strategic ports and will form the basis of the maritime corridor that Cepsa has established with partners to transport hydrogen between the south and north of Europe, providing continent-wide decarbonization solutions. It is secured.
As part of this new ecosystem, there will be an opportunity to develop electrolyser assembly capacity in Spain, creating jobs and protecting Europe from exposure to shortages of key equipment and long lead times due to competitive markets.
