Iberdrola unveiled before King Philip VI its green hydrogen facility, a project that will power Fertiberia’s ammonia production. The venture marks the first milestone of a broader plan aimed at 2027, with an investment of two billion euros and a subsequent expansion to the Palos de la Frontera factory in Huelva.
As outlined in the presentation, achieving the stated goals will require the creation of 200 facilities, with Puertollano set for 2030. The plant will produce 360 kilos of green hydrogen per hour, reaching as much as 3,000 tons annually. Construction is expected to take about 15 months, and the project will prevent roughly 48,000 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, covering an area of seven hectares.
The site comprises a building that gathers energy from a nearby photovoltaic plant, feeding an electrolyzer that stands at the heart of the operation. The produced hydrogen is stored until conditions are suitable for transport, after which it will be sent to Fertiberia for ammonia production. The project also incorporates a dozen wind turbines to cool water used in the process and ensure steady production.
Iberdrola has chosen Nel Hydrogen Electrolyser as its preferred supplier for the hydrogen production system based on the proton exchange membrane solution from Nel ASA. Basque firm Elecnor will handle the electrical installation of the Puertollano facility, providing electrical panels, cabinets, supports, pipes, and lighting, while Construcciones Electromecánicas Consonni will manufacture the medium‑voltage equipment at its Bilbao plant.
“Do not trust third parties”
The company’s leadership has emphasized the need for autonomous energy sources to reduce dependence on outsiders. The executive stressed that Iberdrola’s decarbonization strategy hinges on producing fossil‑free materials and using hydrogen to cut emissions in high‑temperature industrial processes and in transportation.
The project represents a collaboration between numerous Spanish firms and Fertiberia, with Fertiberia playing a key role in ensuring a steady energy supply for the ammonia production process through hydrogen. The initiative also highlights the contribution of Cummings, a Norwegian electrolyzer supplier, which plans Europe’s largest factory in Guadalajara to support this effort.
The first phase of a more ambitious plan envisions a two‑billion‑euro investment to replace natural gas with solar energy for ammonia production, advancing a self‑sustaining clean energy cycle and driving improvements in energy education and quality of service.
Speaking at the event, leaders reaffirmed Spain’s ambition to become a leader in future sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, and ammonia production, with strong public‑private collaboration to sustain momentum.
Agustín Delgado, who led the initial plant development, recalled the moment when the project was entrusted in early 2020 and highlighted the partnerships with Fertiberia as crucial to delivering the factory within two years. He noted that practical examples show how green hydrogen can address Spain’s energy sustainability challenges, given significant fuel import costs and high dependence on foreign energy sources. He pointed out that reducing import exposure lowers CO2 emissions tied to energy use in industry.
Raw materials that can be produced with green hydrogen include methanol, green steel, and ammonia, signaling a broad decarbonization potential for multiple industrial sectors.
Nerea Bartolomé from Iberdrola explained Spain’s national Energy and Climate plan, noting that by 2030 about 75 percent of electricity should come from renewable sources, with a longer‑term objective of full decarbonization in the ensuing decades. The country aims for a steady transition toward 100 percent renewable energy supply over time.
More uses for hydrogen
Begoña Gómez, director of the Foresa facility in Caldas de Rei, joined the discussion to show hydrogen’s versatility beyond energy storage and power. The Puertollano project includes a green methanol initiative, known as Green Methanol Meiga, which combines green hydrogen with CO2 to produce methanol powered entirely by renewable energy.
This approach underscores hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing chemical and fuel production, expanding the range of sustainable industrial options.
“Vision, Courage and Support”
Fertiberia’s industrial director, David Herrero, explained the crucial role of green hydrogen in ammonia production at Puertollano. Replacing imported natural gas with domestic renewable energy supports decarbonization in agriculture and strengthens food security. Herrero urged balanced leadership and corporate backing to transform industrial capabilities, asserting that Fertiberia will become the first company to produce CO2‑free ammonia.
Ammonia could emerge as a sustainable fuel in sectors such as marine transport, where engines are already being developed to use this fuel. Herrero stressed that laying the foundations for greater energy independence depends on clean, local energy sources.
The project showcases a collaborative path for Spain, combining public and private excellence to advance toward a cleaner, more self‑sufficient energy future. The broader vision centers on creating resilient industrial systems that rely on renewable energy and hydrogen to support sustainable growth across multiple sectors.