Spanish energy company Cepsa has forged key partnerships with Thyssenkrupp Nucera and Siemens Energy. The collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art green hydrogen plant in southern Spain, marking a pivotal move in the region's journey towards sustainable energy production.
Under the agreement, Thyssenkrupp Nucera has been designated as the preferred supplier, tasked with providing 300MW of electrolysers. Siemens Energy, on the other hand, will supply 100MW of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis technology. This strategic alignment underscores a concerted effort to foster a European value chain for green hydrogen, crucial for decarbonizing various sectors across the continent.
Werner Ponikwar, Chief Executive of Thyssenkrupp Nucera, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are very pleased to be working with an innovative partner to create one of the largest hydrogen valleys in Europe and to contribute to Cepsa's path to a gigawatt capacity.”
The green hydrogen project, situated at La Rábida Energy Park in Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, represents a collaborative effort between Cepsa and Fertiberia. Utilizing Thyssenkrupp's Scalum electrolyser units and Siemens Energy's PEM electrolysis technology, the facility is poised to produce up to 47,000 tons of green hydrogen annually.
Carlos Barrasa, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Clean Energies at Cepsa, emphasized the project's significance, stating, “This is a decisive step in our Positive Motion strategy as we move to become a leading producer of green hydrogen developing vitally needed clean energy solutions for industry and heavy transport in Spain and across Europe.”
The project's reliance on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power underscores the region's favorable conditions for green hydrogen production. With abundant access to solar and wind resources, southern Spain emerges as a competitive hub for sustainable energy initiatives.
Thyssenkrupp Nucera's expertise in alkaline water electrolysis and Siemens Energy's cutting-edge technology contribute to the project's innovative approach towards decarbonization. Christoph Noeres, Head of Green Hydrogen at Thyssenkrupp Nucera, highlighted the pivotal role of their electrolysis technology in transforming renewable energy into green hydrogen.
Alexey Ustinov, Head of Sustainable Energy Systems at Siemens Energy, emphasized the urgency of such projects in driving the energy transition, stating, “There will be no energy transition without green molecules.”
The establishment of the green hydrogen plant not only reinforces Cepsa's commitment to sustainability but also signifies a collective endeavor to accelerate decarbonization efforts across Europe. As Cepsa continues to execute strategic agreements, the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley takes shape, offering a promising pathway towards a zero-carbon energy system.
