Spain Boosts Renewable Hydrogen Projects with €400mn Funding
Key Ideas
- Spain plans to distribute €400mn to renewable hydrogen projects that didn't win subsidies at the EU's Hydrogen Bank auction.
- An additional €1.32bn will be allocated to large-scale hydrogen clusters as part of Spain's Perte Hydrogen Valley scheme.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez highlighted the importance of green hydrogen in driving Spain's economic growth.
- Spain's focus on renewables and hydrogen reflects a shift towards sustainable energy sources.
Spain has announced plans to provide €400 million to renewable hydrogen projects that participated in the EU's pilot Hydrogen Bank auction but were not selected for subsidies due to high bids. This funding is in addition to the €1.32 billion that will be allocated to large-scale hydrogen clusters under Spain's Perte Hydrogen Valley scheme. Despite three Spanish projects being chosen in the auction, one developer opted not to claim operating subsidies for renewable hydrogen production. The support for projects that missed out on subsidies falls within the range of €280-400 million proposed by Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized Spain's commitment to renewables and low-carbon energy, particularly green hydrogen, attributing it to the country's economic growth. The focus on sustainable energy sources aligns with Spain's strategy, which contrasts with traditional fossil fuel approaches. Sanchez's reference to 'green, baby, green' underscores the nation's dedication to environmentally friendly initiatives.