Green hydrogen stands out as the most viable path to decarbonize the economy. In the Alicante province, there is a clear drive to be an active agent in the development of this clean energy, turning the future into the present. The Alicante Vahia 2030 State Hydrogen Valley Cluster was officially formed after a unanimous meeting, and early steps are already underway. Short term plans include launching two pilot plants, launching training programs, and promoting hydrogen technology tailored to the needs of local industries. This initiative also features conferences, workshops, and the development of innovative projects after an assessment of regional needs and opportunities.
Joint front of Fempa, UA and CHA for green hydrogen to reach the entire state
Association supported by the Federation of Metal Entrepreneurs of the Province of Alicante, Fempa; Chance and Choices, CHAo; and the University of Alicante, UA. The group has just appointed its board of directors and will be headquartered in the Port of Alicante. Antonio Pérez Collar of CHAo became president; Luis Rodríguez, former Fempa president and current head of the Alicante Port Authority, serves as vice president; Manuel Ruano of Aludium is treasurer. Armando Ortuño, general director of the association and professor of Territory, Transport and Environment in the Civil Engineering department at the University of Alicante, is alongside Roman Dato as Fempa’s Innovation Director. Board members include Andrés Rico Mora of the Official College of Civil Engineers, Christian Seitl Bengoa of Iberdrola, and José Luis Ripoll de la Vega of Vectalia.
What is green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is not a product of luck. At a European summit in Alicante less than a year ago, Spain, France, and Portugal signed an agreement to build Europe’s first major green hydrogen corridor, H2MED, which will pass through the state. The aim is to maximize the performance of this infrastructure, according to Luis Rodríguez. Antonio Pérez Collar adds that the province could lead in green hydrogen production and notes that North Africa has abundant solar energy resources, creating significant production potential. He argues that Alicante’s SMEs can enable pilot projects to demonstrate the technology’s potential in the province and then scale them up for broader adoption.
Participants at the founding meeting of Vahia 2030 gathered at the Fempa metal association facilities, marking a milestone for the initiative. The project seeks to exploit the medium term potential to ensure the province can produce green hydrogen annually, with competitive prices. It supports collaboration with H2MED and aims to connect with Valencia and Castellón, building a green hydrogen value chain, fostering innovation, and creating a network of hydrogen facilities. The vice president and Port of Alicante president emphasize that the priority is to bring renewable energy to SMEs and to stimulate demand rather than simply talk about it. Negative competitive prices are addressed as part of the strategy.
Supporters describe the constituent assembly of Vahia 2030 as a promising step toward a more sustainable future for the province of Alicante. The overarching goal is to lead a transformation toward an economy founded on innovation and clean energy, turning the province into a reference in hydrogen technology.
H2Med hydro canal will be Europe’s big green corridor after German reunification
It is not a matter of election but a strategic move. The port will act as the core hub for the Alicante Province Hydrogen Valley Cluster, with a firm commitment to ecological transition and the deployment of clean and green energies. The aim is to support pioneering projects that contribute to decarbonization, with green hydrogen positioned as a crucial energy vector for both present and future needs, according to Luis Rodríguez.
Driven by Fempa, CHAo, and UA, the AVahia 2030 constituent assembly is part of a broader collaboration that includes Aguas de Alicante, Aludium, CHM, the Official College of Civil Engineers, the Official College of Industrial Technical Engineers, CGC, Fepeval, Fetrama, HVR Energy, Iberdrola, and the Port of Vectalia. The objective is to onboard more companies and administrations into the initiative, expanding the breadth and impact of the hydrogen strategy.