GREEN H2 PRODUCTION AT LA ROBLA

Introduction

GREENH2LAROBLA envisages the commissioning of one of the largest, renewably powered green hydrogen production plants in Europe to be located on the site of the former coal-fired thermal power plant in La Robla (León). This green hydrogen will be produced by an electrolyser with a capacity of 280 megawatts (MW), leading to an annual production of up to 40,200 tonnes of renewable hydrogen with 100% relative greenhouse gas (GHG) emission avoidance compared to the reference scenario.

Innovative Energy System Framework

As one of the first large-scale projects for renewable hydrogen production, GREENH2LAROBLA puts forward an innovative energy system framework with zero emissions. This framework will be deployed at an industrial scale and comprises:

• Clean power generation
• Electrolytic hydrogen production
• Management of power and hydrogen loads
• Comprehensive operational strategy for the entire system

The green hydrogen production will be mostly destined for industrial use and will be transported via a national hydrogen backbone (primary national hydrogen pipes system).

Renewable Energy Supply

The project will be powered by solar photovoltaic plants in nearby municipalities and through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). This will ensure a constant supply of renewable energy to the electrolyser, which should work steadily and continuously, avoiding production fluctuations.

Project Significance

The project stands out for its size (280 MW) and pioneers the integration of renewable hydrogen into the industry. It contributes to learning economies to improve the scalability and cost-effectiveness of renewable hydrogen. Furthermore, the use of a hydrogen duct serves as:

1. A storage solution
2. An enhancement of grid flexibility
3. Accommodation of a mix of uses

This will facilitate replicability by offering the potential for other operators and future users to directly connect to the hydrogen backbone.

Alignment with Strategic Plans

The project aligns with established strategic EU plans such as:

• The European Green Deal
• EU Hydrogen Strategy
• REPowerEU
• The Delegated Acts under the Renewable Energy Directive for the production of renewable fuels from non-biological origin (RFNBO)
• The priorities of the Spanish Hydrogen Roadmap
• National Just Transition Strategy
• The Spanish National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) 2021-2030

Economic and Social Impact

The GREENH2LAROBLA project is framed within the Just Transition Agreement of the Montaña Central Leonesa-La Robla region. It seeks to minimize the economic and social impact of the decommissioning of the thermal power plant and contribute to the development of a green and low-carbon economy in the region.

GREENH2LAROBLA is projected to create 279 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) and contribute 14.3 million euros in Gross Added Value (GAV) to just transition municipalities during the project's construction phase.

Strategic Development

From a strategic perspective, the project will enhance the region's development in the rapidly expanding hydrogen market throughout its entire value chain by involving local stakeholders.