Green Hydrogen
Iberdrola: a pioneer in the development of green hydrogen
As part of our commitment to leading the process of electrification, at Iberdrola we are promoting the development of green hydrogen as an alternative to generate clean energy for industrial electrification processes.
Green hydrogen has been a reality at Iberdrola since 2022. Iberdrola is involved in the global development of green hydrogen with three plants in operation in Spain and a fourth under construction in partnership with bp, which will come into operation in 2026. We are actively working on several projects – including e-methanol and green ammonia – in locations such as Europe, Australia and Brazil. The aim is to meet the electrification and decarbonisation needs of hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and heavy transport. In 2020, we created a business unit dedicated to green hydrogen within the company, with the aim of driving innovation in decarbonisation solutions for large consumers.
Green hydrogen, key to our energy transition strategy
12 September 2024
More than three years operating one of the top largest green hydrogen plants in Europe for the production of zero-emissions fertilisers
Iberdrola's Puertollano (Ciudad Real) plant, located in Ciudad Real, consists of a 100 MW photovoltaic solar plant, a lithium-ion battery storage system with a capacity of 20 MWh, and one of the world's largest hydrogen-production systems via electrolysis (20 MW), all powered by 100% renewable sources.
The project, with an investment of €150 million, will create up to 1,000 jobs and avoid 48,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
Green hydrogen plant for industrial use
Europe's most ambitious innovation project to promote decarbonization of industrial sectors
100% renewable hydrogen for emission-free ammonia and fertilizer production
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Investment €150 M -
Local jobs 700 -
CO2 emissions avoided 39,000 tCO2/year
Distribution network
The surplus energy generated in the photovoltaic plant is fed into the distribution network for commercialization.
Green hydrogen production
Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis cells powered by both the energy generated by the photovoltaic plant and the battery energy storage system, in a process with no associated CO2 emissions and allowing the electrification of industrial sectors.
The production process is carried out with a polymer electrolysis system with a 20 MW power supply and a capacity to generate 360 kg/hour of hydrogen.
H2 tanks
The storage of green hydrogen is essential to guarantee the stability of supply required by the Fertiberia plant and to make efficient use of renewable energy production. A total of 11 tanks that allow the storage of 6,000 kg of green H2 at 60 bars.
Each tank has a volume of 133 m3 and dimensions of 23.5 m height and 2.8 m in diameter. They weigh 77 tonnes empty and are made of a special steel with a sheet thickness of 4.5 cm to contain hydrogen, given the small size of this particle.
Battery
The project includes a 5MW lithium-ion battery system, with a storage capacity of 20MWh, which allows for greater plant manageability and optimisation of control strategies.
Puertollano II photovoltaic plant
The new facility for the production of green H2 from 100% renewable sources consists of a solar photovoltaic plant with an installed capacity of 100 MW.
The installation incorporates state-of-the-art technologies, such as bifacial panels, which allow for higher production by having two light-sensitive surfaces, and string inverters, which improve performance and make better use of the surface area.
Underground power line
Dedicated underground power line for exclusive use to ensure that all energy used in the electrolyser is renewable and environmental impact is minimised.
Fertiberia Plant
The innovation project is an ambitious initiative to decarbonize a key industrial process, such as the manufacture of fertilizers, which will allow progress towards more sustainable agriculture.
The investment allows improvement of industrial processes, making them more sustainable through the production and consumption of green hydrogen without associated emissions and improving the performance of the processes involved.
"This is one of the most efficient solutions to help the most polluting industrial sectors transform their processes and become more sustainable. Thanks to the collaboration with pioneering and forward-looking companies, we have before us tangible examples of green hydrogen production that are already a reality."
Millán García-Tola
Iberdrola's Global H₂ Manager
More about green hydrogen
Green hydrogen: an alternative that reduces emissions and cares for our planet
At Iberdrola, we see green hydrogen as the ideal complement to electrification. For several years now, our group has been working to ensure an optimal supply of renewable energy for electrolysis. Thanks to our extensive portfolio of renewable assets, we guarantee competitive production and compliance with the requirements of the EU Delegated Acts for RFNBO (renewable non-biological biofuels).
What is green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen: an alternative that reduces emissions and cares for our planet
At Iberdrola, we see green hydrogen as the ideal complement to electrification. For several years now, our group has been working to ensure an optimal supply of renewable energy for electrolysis. Thanks to our extensive portfolio of renewable assets, we guarantee competitive production and compliance with the requirements of the EU Delegated Acts for RFNBO (renewable non-biological biofuels).
What is green hydrogen?