Spain is one of the top ten countries in the world hydrogen patentsAccording to the latest report of the European Patent Office (OEP) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), the annual growth rate of these technologies has reached 5% in the last ten years.
The growth rate of these patents in Spain was higher than in the following countries: Germany (4.2%), Netherlands (4.4%) and Italy (2.6%), and it has surpassed France, where these technologies are increasing by 5.7% annually.
The European Union is the country with the highest focus on hydrogen patents between 2011 and 2020, 28% of the total, followed by. Japan (24%) and the United States (20%), It is the only region where the growth rate of these technologies has been lower in the last decade.
76% of hydrogen patents created in Spain correspond to environmentally friendly hydrogen technologies (they no longer use fossil fuels), higher than those registered in other European countries such as: Germany (64%), the Netherlands (59%) and France (55%).
Electrolysis has been the main form of hydrogen production in Spain. A technique whose use has increased by 16% since 2011. Technologies for breaking down water molecules have been another important area of expertise and innovation for national manufacturers.
Automotive patents on the rise
The automotive industry has been the main buyer of new technologies in recent years. hydrogenJapan leads the way in obtaining patents for this area.
In recent years, efforts have been made to decarbonize other sectors, such as long-distance transport. aviationiron and steel production and domestic heating systems, but these have yet to show such a significant patenting rate.
“Hydrogen produced from low-emission sources could play an important role in the energy transition, especially in sectors where there are few sustainable alternatives at the energy level, such as long-haul transport or fertilizers,” he said. International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol.
António Campinos, head of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEP), ‘beginningsHydrogen, as they have received more than half of the $10,000 million investment funds from venture capital dedicated to the development of these technologies over the past decade.
In Spain, ‘startups’ also pioneered innovation in hydrogen. Major Spanish technology centers for hydrogen production, Madrid (with 40 international patents), Seville Y Barcelona (both 19) and Valencia (with 7).