Enagas Shifts Focus: Selling U.S. Stake for Green Hydrogen Investment
Key Ideas
- Enagas sells its stake in U.S. company to focus on green hydrogen projects, with Blackstone acquiring the stake for $1.1 billion.
- The transaction will lead to a 360 million euro capital loss for Enagas but is expected to have a positive impact on earnings from 2025.
- Enagas aims to invest in renewable hydrogen infrastructure to align with Spain's green hydrogen production plans, requiring around 3.2 billion euros by 2030.
- The company plans to transition from natural gas to hydrogen infrastructure management, with regulated hydrogen assets expected to exceed natural gas assets by 2030.
Spanish gas grid operator Enagas has announced the sale of its 30.2% stake in U.S. energy infrastructure company Tallgrass Energy to focus on financing green hydrogen projects. The stake was acquired by U.S. investment firm Blackstone for $1.1 billion, resulting in a 360 million euro capital loss for Enagas. Despite the initial financial impact, the divestment is seen as strategically positive, with expected earnings growth from 2025. Enagas plans to invest around 3.2 billion euros by 2030 in developing renewable hydrogen infrastructure in Spain, including the H2Med corridor. This move aligns with the Spanish government's focus on green hydrogen production. As part of the transition, Enagas will shift from its traditional natural gas role to managing a network of hydrogen infrastructure. The company anticipates its regulated hydrogen assets to surpass natural gas assets by the end of the decade. Enagas has adjusted its dividend plans for the next three years to support its green hydrogen investment strategy.