Andalusia, a Spanish region, has successfully secured funds for three projects aimed at advancing large-scale electrolyser development for renewable hydrogen production.
These projects were selected as part of Line 3 of the H2 Value Chain Program, spearheaded by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Miteco). Each endeavor will be granted 15 million euros, amassing a total of 45 million euros in funds.
Overseen by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDEA), functioning under Miteco, the program has disbursed a total of 100 million euros in grants to seven projects across five autonomous communities in Spain. Beneficiaries include Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Asturias, Galicia, and Castilla-La Mancha.
Of the 100 million euros, 60 million euros have been designated for projects in areas linked with the Just Transition and Demographic Challenge, concentrating on regions affected by thermal power plant shutdowns such as Carboneras (Almería), Meirama (A Coruña), and the Aboño thermoelectric complex (Asturias), among others.
The H2 Value Chain Program falls under the Strategic Project for the Reconstruction and Economic Transformation of Renewable Energies, Renewable Hydrogen, and Storage (Perte ERHA). Its objective is to foster the development of electrolysis demonstrators and the incorporation of large-capacity electrolysers in industrial settings.
Project selection took into account aspects such as emission reduction, job creation, and gender equality. Selected projects must commit to the principle of “not causing significant harm to the environment.”
Miteco is committed to promoting renewable hydrogen production and application, both in commercially feasible projects and their integration into sectors hard to decarbonize, such as industry and heavy mobility. The program also bolsters industrial research and the development of innovative solutions in experimental settings.
Line 4 of the H2 Value Chain program is on the brink of closure, offering 40 million euros to promote basic research. In addition, the second call for H2 Pioneers has been launched, providing 150 million euros for innovative and integrated initiatives centered on local renewable hydrogen production and consumption.
These funding initiatives are elements of the Component 9, “Renewable Hydrogen Roadmap and its Sectoral Integration,” of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR). They play a crucial role in Perte ERHA, an extensive program designed to foster technology, knowledge, industrial capabilities, and innovative business models to reinforce Spain’s leadership in clean energies.
Perte ERHA aims to mobilize an investment exceeding 16.3 billion euros, combining contributions from the Recovery Plan and private funds. Financial assistance will be awarded through competitive bidding calls to pick the most promising projects.
These funding strategies help to fulfill the objectives laid out in the Hydrogen Roadmap, a strategic document advocating for renewable hydrogen. Its aim is to achieve an electrolysis capacity of 300 to 600 MW by 2024 and 4 GW by 2030, constituting 10% of the community’s overall goal.
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