The Ministry of Sustainability and Environment has granted the first Integrated Environmental Authorization (AAI) in Spain for a hybrid green hydrogen and methanol plant, 'SolWinHy Cádiz' , promoted by Viridi Energías Renovables , SL. This innovative project will be developed in the municipality of Arcos de la Frontera , in the province of Cádiz, and will be a pioneer in the production of green methanol from 100% renewable energy sources and in an 'off-grid' regime, that is, operating disconnected from the electricity grid.

The Andalusian Government, through its Territorial Delegation in Cádiz, has completed a rigorous environmental assessment process that guarantees the commitment of the regional Administration to the promotion of initiatives that promote sustainability, decarbonisation and the energy transition. The 'SolWinHy Cádiz' project has been declared of special strategic interest , which places it within the Project Accelerator Unit, reinforcing Andalusia's commitment to becoming a European benchmark in clean energy.

The territorial delegate for Sustainability and the Environment in Cadiz, Óscar Curtido, has highlighted that "this project is a clear example of our desire to attract green investments that not only generate economic development, but also place Andalusia at the forefront of the fight against climate change. The Andalusian Government remains committed to the incorporation of companies that produce clean energy, contributing to the conservation of the environment and the fulfilment of our sustainability objectives."

The 'SolWinHy Cádiz' project consists of a 54-megawatt wind farm and a 165-megawatt peak photovoltaic plant , which together will generate 386 gigawatt-hours per year. All this renewable energy will produce 5,500 tons of green hydrogen and 29,000 tons of green methanol annually , positioning Andalusia as a pioneer in the production of these fuels of the future.

The production of green methanol is particularly significant, as this compound is essential for decarbonising industries such as chemicals and shipping , which typically rely on fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, obtained through electrolysis of water, will be combined with biogenic CO2 to produce methanol, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of this process.

Viridi has opted for a completely innovative system: the plant will operate independently of the electricity grid , which means that all the energy used will come from wind and hybrid photovoltaic power. This 'off-grid' model is unique in Spain and represents a major technological innovation, as it not only maximises the use of clean energy, but also guarantees sustainable energy self-consumption twenty-four hours a day through a thermal storage system in crushed rock and electric batteries, so that energy can be used in the absence of sunlight and wind.

Commitment to sustainability

With this project, the Andalusian Government demonstrates its firm commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. The Ministry has thoroughly assessed the environmental impact of the plant, ensuring that corrective and protective measures are implemented to minimise any impact on the natural environment and air quality. Among the most notable measures are the control of atmospheric emissions, efficient water management and correct disposal of waste.

The plant's location in Arcos de la Frontera also meets sustainable development criteria, respecting current regulations and international best practices in environmental protection. The project has been designed to integrate renewable energy facilities with methanol production on the same site , minimising territorial impact and optimising the use of available resources.

In this sense, 'SolWinHy Cádiz' represents a milestone in the roadmap of the energy transition in Andalusia. The generation of green hydrogen and methanol through renewable sources contributes directly to the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions , positioning the autonomous community in line with the goals established in the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to its environmental impact, the construction and operation of the green methanol plant will provide a significant boost to the local economy . Job creation is expected both during the construction phase and during the plant's operation, which will boost economic activity in Arcos de la Frontera and the Cadiz region.

Solar Hydrogen Production at the FOTON Institute