The Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH2) and Nordex Electrolyzers have celebrated this Thursday on the occasion of World Hydrogen Day, a day at the facilities of Nordex Electrolyzers en Lumbier dedicated to the role of the Spanish industry in the renewable hydrogen value chain. The meeting, which brought together representatives from the administration, industry and the research field, revolved around the NX2500, the 2.5 MW electrolyzer developed and manufactured by Nordex Electrolyzers in Navarra.
World Hydrogen Day is commemorated every October 8 in reference to the atomic mass of this element (1.008 u). This year’s edition comes at a time of industrial consolidation for Spain: the development of production projects is now accompanied by its own equipment manufacturing capacity, a link until now dominated by manufacturers from outside the European Union.
He NX2500 is a pressurized alkaline electrolyzer designed, manufactured and assembled entirely in Navarra. Its launch on the market makes Nordex Electrolyzers the first manufacturer to produce megawatt-scale equipment in Spain, after validating the technology in 50 kW and 500 kW prototypes.
HYDROGEN FOR SECTORS WITH DIFFICULT DECARBONIZATION
The decarbonization of sectors such as refining, petrochemicals, steel, fertilizers or heavy transportation cannot be addressed through direct electrification due to technical limitations. In these uses, renewable hydrogen—produced by electrolysis of water with electricity from renewable sources—is today the alternative with the longest run, and its cost depends directly on the efficiency and price of the electrolyzers.
Javier Breypresident of the AeH2has pointed out that “andMeetings like this allow us to highlight the industrial and technological capacity that Spain has developed around renewable hydrogen. The sector is prepared and has companies, knowledge and professionals capable of competing and generating qualified employment, economic activity and new industrial opportunities. We must now continue working to address the barriers that still hinder the deployment of projects, especially in terms of energy access, infrastructure and demand development. “If we are able to make progress in these areas, renewable hydrogen will be essential to boost our industry, strengthen our economy and move towards a more sustainable and autonomous energy system.”
For its part, Luis Sollageneral director of Nordex Electrolyzershas highlighted that “fOpening a megawatt-scale electrolyzer in Spain is not a symbolic gesture: it is the condition for renewable hydrogen to be competitive here. It means shortening delivery times, controlling the supply chain and retaining the knowledge and employment associated with this technology in the country. The NX2500 demonstrates that the Spanish industry can compete in a global market.”
The day was closed by Garbiñe Basterrageneral director of Energy and Digital Transition, Business R&D&I and Entrepreneurship, who commented that “the combination of technological, industrial and research capabilities that exists in our community has allowed us to seek new avenues of renewable energy, such as that offered by green hydrogen. The leadership of CENER and the drive of companies such as Nordex Electrolyzers, Statkraft and Enhol allow us to develop innovative projects that reinforce the commitment to innovation, sustainability and industrial decarbonization. Initiatives such as the NX2500, the first 2.5 MW green hydrogen electrolyser designed and manufactured entirely in Navarra, has had the support of Sodena from the beginning, and contributes to positioning our region as a key player in the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
AN ECOSYSTEM IN EXPANSION
According to the AeH2 Project Census, Spain has nearly 400 identified hydrogen initiatives, of which more than a hundred correspond to R&D, which places the country among the most active in Europe in research on these technologies. The set of announced projects reflects a potential electrolysis capacity that exceeds the national objective established in the PNIEC for 2030. However, to realize this potential it will be necessary to continue making progress in eliminating the main barriers facing the sector, especially those related to access to the electrical grid, the development of demand, public financing and regulatory certainty.
The collaboration between AeH2 and industrial manufacturers such as Nordex Electrolyzers seeks to reinforce this ecosystem through the creation of qualified employment, energy autonomy and the consolidation of Spain as a European pole of renewable hydrogen.
Source: www.diariodenavarra.es
