The former coal mine that fed the As Pontes thermal power plant, long considered the centerpiece of Galicia’s electrical system, is slated to become the cradle of the region’s first large green hydrogen power plant. Seen as a major energy vector for decarbonizing both the power grid and the transport sector, this facility will operate with zero greenhouse gas emissions during production and when used as fuel, a distinction highlighted by its promoters. The legacy plant, by contrast, was once a principal source of carbon dioxide across the country. The H2Pole project plans to advance in two phases, targeting an output of 100 megawatts. The plant is expected to produce about 16,000 tons of hydrogen annually. It will be a substantial consumer of electricity, powering the electrolysis that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using the lake in A Coruña as the water source, with a maximum draw of 438,000 cubic meters. The plan envisions utilizing only a small fraction of regional resources, around 0.07%, and operating roughly 8,000 hours per year, which translates to approximately 880 gigawatt hours during normal operation. This consumption is nearly equivalent to the total electricity used by the commercial sector in the community.
The focus on electricity demand has become a central part of public records since the integrated environmental permit request, the environmental impact study, and the public service statement were filed. Galicia’s Xunta has prioritized the project following its designation as a Strategic Industrial Project last September. A 30-working-day window is in place for submitting claims or observations.
Agreement with EDP
Reganosa notes that the future green hydrogen plant will rely on wind energy to meet its electricity needs. Accordingly, a contract has been signed with the Spanish subsidiary of EDP Renovaables. An announcement published in the Official Gazette of Galicia confirms a total budget of 156.2 million euros for the material application, though the project report has updated the investment to nearly 209 million euros: 76.9 million euros for the first phase and 131.8 million euros for the subsequent phase. H2Pole stands as one of the government’s chosen initiatives in renewable energy, renewable hydrogen, and storage. Reganosa and the EDP plant will also receive 24 million euros in European funds.
There is a realistic possibility of a third intermediate stage. With ongoing funding programs for new technologies and limitations in electrolyzer modularization, the initial 50 MW capacity could be gradually expanded, aiming to reach 20 MW in a first stage. H2Pole’s overarching objective is to foster regional hydrogen use across multiple end users—industrial, mobility, and residential—while advancing decarbonization of the energy sector and supporting social and economic development in an area historically affected by industrial displacement. These goals are outlined by the project team and its partners [Source: Reganosa, EDP Renovaables].
Uses and calendar
The produced hydrogen is intended for downstream gas distribution. A dedicated hydro channel will connect the plant to the Reganosa network’s nodal point, with high-pressure storage for tanker distribution and eventual vehicle refueling as a future application. The calendar outlines recruitment beginning next May. Construction of the first phase is scheduled from September this year through December 2025, followed by the second phase from March 2027 through June 2029.