- The first phase of the AeH2’s hydrogen project census only includes Demonstration Projects with TRL 7 or higher, led by or involving partners of the Association.
- The analysis of census data predicts a total investment close to 21 billion euros by 2030, surpassing the estimates of the Hydrogen Roadmap. Renewable hydrogen production would reach the planned 11 GW by 2030, in line with the forecasts of the latest update of the PNIEC (National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan).
Madrid– The Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH2) has today published on its website the interactive map of the Hydrogen Project Census, which in its first phase collects demonstration projects – TRL 7 or higher – that are under development or active in Spain.
This tool provides a global, summarized, and updated way to visualize the status of the hydrogen sector in the country, based on data provided by AeH2 partners.
To date, the census includes a total of 123 projects that cover the entire hydrogen value chain and come from 46 associated entities.
The map aims to provide visibility to ongoing or planned hydrogen projects in the country, serving as an analysis tool for experts and public administrations.
Comparison with the Hydrogen Roadmap
According to the report published alongside the census, the analysis of registered projects predicts a progressive increase in renewable hydrogen production compared to previous years. In this regard, 56% of the surveyed projects involve the use of renewable energy sources through direct connections, and 91% of the projects are planned to use clean energies, some through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
On the other hand, hydrogen valleys (hydrogen production and multiple uses) and integrated projects (hydrogen production and single use) represent 34% of the total registered initiatives, an indicator of the importance given to economies of scale in obtaining renewable hydrogen at a reasonable cost while ensuring the demand for the produced hydrogen.
The census data also predicts a strong appetite for hydrogen production, nearly tripling the forecasts of the Hydrogen Roadmap for the end of the decade, raising the capacity to 11 GW by 2030.
This optimistic figure, in line with the forecasts of the latest update of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), reflects a statement of intent conditioned to increased financing possibilities and support from Public Administrations at all levels.
In the field of mobility, 56% of the surveyed projects are focused on road transport, and there is a significant deviation between the projected number of hydrogen refueling stations (21 publicly accessible) and the targets established by the Hydrogen Roadmap (between 100 and 150 publicly accessible by 2030).
Hydrogen in Industry
Regarding the use of hydrogen in industry, the report indicates that out of the 17 projects focused in this field, 67% are centered around its use in oil refining and the petrochemical industry, while 15% is allocated to ammonia production. The remaining projects focus on the food, glass, and ceramic industries. Notably, there is a new application of hydrogen in the production of synthetic fuels in the hydrocarbon sector.
What types of projects does the investment focus on?
Based on data from the 123 projects surveyed, a total investment of approximately 21 billion euros is projected, mostly planned, surpassing the 8.9 billion estimated by the Hydrogen Roadmap for the 2020-2030 period.
Of this total, 72% would be allocated to hydrogen production, 14% to distribution, and another 14% to projects with one or more applications, such as valleys and integrated projects.
It is important to note that the investment figure presented in the report does not fully reflect the actual investment, due to the confidentiality of some projects, so the final amount could be even higher. The analysis estimates that the total public funding for the surveyed projects is around 200 million euros, out of the total of 21 billion, which could indicate the need to strengthen public financing mechanisms available in the coming years.
New tool to gauge the pulse of hydrogen
The Hydrogen Projects Census by AeH2 presents itself as an opportunity to have a comprehensive view of the hydrogen value chain in the country, facilitate strategic decision-making, estimate economic potential, promote collaboration and innovation, and track established sector goals.
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