Repsol has initiated the production of renewable hydrogen at its Petronor industrial center located in Biscay, Spain. The newly operational 2.5 MW electrolyzer has the capacity to generate 350 tons of renewable hydrogen annually, primarily for industrial applications, including utilization in the refinery and as a raw material for the manufacturing of low-carbon footprint products.
Renewable hydrogen is also being employed at the logistics platform of the Abanto Zierbana Technology Park, situated approximately 1.5 kilometers (9.4 miles) from Muskiz. Here, it powers buses and heavy transport vehicles. In support of this endeavor, Repsol, in collaboration with the Basque Energy Agency, has established the Basque Country's first hydrogen refueling station, which receives hydrogen from the Petronor electrolyzer via a dedicated pipeline facilitated by Nortegas.
The commissioning of this electrolyzer marks a significant milestone in Repsol's ongoing commitment to achieving zero net emissions, with the transformation of its industrial facilities playing a pivotal role. Petronor is poised to house two more electrolyzers, boasting capacities of 10 MW and 100 MW, in the years ahead. Notably, the latter has received recognition from the European Commission as an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI).
Repsol plans to strategically install electrolyzers near its other four major industrial centers in Spain, furthering its decarbonization efforts. The unit in Cartagena will have a 100 MW capacity and has likewise been designated as an IPCEI. In Tarragona, Repsol will establish the largest electrolyzer in Spain, with a capacity of 150 MW, a project selected by the European Commission to receive funding under the Innovation Fund program. Additionally, Repsol intends to deploy 30 MW electrolyzers near its industrial complexes in Puertollano and A Coruña.
As the leading producer and consumer of hydrogen in Spain, Repsol currently generates approximately 360,000 tons of hydrogen annually within its industrial facilities, accounting for nearly 60% of Spain's hydrogen demand.
Renewable hydrogen serves as a crucial feedstock in the production of low-carbon footprint products, including renewable fuels. The deployment of these electrolyzers is expected to establish essential infrastructure for hydrogen utilization across various sectors, including industry, transportation, the gas industry, and renewable electricity, thereby fostering European manufacturing associated with these sectors.
Repsol's strategic plan also encompasses the establishment of a network of renewable hydrogen supply points in close proximity to its industrial centers and key logistics corridors on the Iberian Peninsula. This approach targets areas with substantial transport demand, enabling the location of electrolyzers. Recognizing its significance and ambition, the project has garnered support from the European Commission under its CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) program.
The launch of the Petronor electrolyzer represents a vital step in the Basque Hydrogen Corridor (BH2C), a notable regional initiative for renewable hydrogen in Spain. Spearheaded by Repsol and Petronor, the BH2C aims to create an efficient ecosystem, encompassing manufacturing, transformation, and logistics aspects, while aligning production capacity with the needs of emerging industries and diversifying renewable hydrogen applications.
Beyond the BH2C, Repsol is at the forefront of regional initiatives promoting the establishment of hydrogen clusters. These include the Hydrogen Valley of Catalonia, supported by Repsol and Enagas and coordinated by the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), as well as the Hydrogen Valley of the Region of Murcia, where Repsol plays a leading role. Additionally, Repsol's active participation in the hydrogen cluster of Castilla-La Mancha underscores its commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies across Spain.
