Iberdrola begins testing to electrify Bayer’s plant in Asturias (Spain) using 100% renewable steam

Iberdrola España, a subsidiary of the Iberdrola Group in Spain, has begun testing to supply 100% renewable steam to Bayer's plant in La Felguera, Asturias (Spain), which produces acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient in Aspirin®, for markets worldwide.

The installation replaces fossil fuels with renewable electricity and will prevent the emission of approximately 6,500 tonnes of CO₂ a year.

The facility combines the electrification of steam production with a molten salt thermal storage system, which makes it possible to use electricity when renewable generation is at its highest and prices are more competitive. The stored energy is used whenever required by the industrial process, enable steam to be produced at any time and allowing supply to be adapted to the factory's needs.

To meet the process's entire steam demand, Iberdrola has developed a 15 MW long-term renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and a 2.5 MW self-consumption solar photovoltaic installation.

The initiative has involved an investment of more than €18 million and represents Spain's first large-scale industrial heat electrification project incorporating thermal storage, structured through a long-term Heat Purchase Agreement (HPA).

With this project, the Group is advancing the electrification of industrial heat as a way of reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, while strengthening industrial competitiveness and paving the way for further developments in Spain and other markets.

Read the full story in Iberdrola España's Newsroom.