Clean energy, bright futures: Investment opportunities in deindustrialised regions

As Europe aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, green hydrogen has emerged as a pivotal element in the continent’s sustainable energy strategy. This push towards clean energy is not only addressing environmental concerns but also revitalising deindustrialised regions, offering new economic opportunities and job creation. For example, here are six little-known green hydrogen projects across Europe that are setting the stage for a brighter, cleaner future, and boosting the regions they’re located in.

GreenH2Atlantic project in Sines, Portugal

Located in Sines, Portugal, the GreenH2Atlantic project is a pioneering initiative aiming to establish a 100 MW green hydrogen production hub. This project integrates renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power to produce green hydrogen, positioning Portugal as a leader in the green energy transition.

By harnessing its abundant renewable resources, GreenH2Atlantic is set to reduce carbon emissions significantly, promote sustainable industrial practices, and create numerous job opportunities in the region. The project will also support the EU’s goal of producing 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Additionally, it has the potential to serve as a model for other European countries looking to develop their green hydrogen capabilities.

Catalina project in Monegros, Spain

In Monegros, Teruel, Spain, the Catalina project represents a major leap in green hydrogen production. This ambitious project plans to produce up to 84,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually using a 500 MW electrolyser powered by 1.5 GW of wind and solar energy.

The green hydrogen will be transported via a 221-kilometer pipeline to a new green ammonia plant in Sagunto. This initiative is expected to meet 15% of Spain’s current hydrogen demand, decarbonize industrial processes, and integrate hydrogen into the natural gas grid, thereby avoiding the emission of up to 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year.

The project aligns with Spain’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to achieve 4 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030. Furthermore, the Catalina project is expected to create over 5,000 jobs during its development and construction phase.

GreenHyScale project in Denmark

Denmark is home to the GreenHyScale project, which plans to build and operate the world’s first 100 MW green pressurized alkaline electrolysis plant. This project aims to scale up green hydrogen production to meet industrial demands and integrate renewable energy sources effectively.

By focusing on large-scale production and leveraging Denmark’s renewable energy capacity, GreenHyScale is set to play a crucial role in Europe’s hydrogen economy, providing a sustainable energy solution for various industrial applications. The project is part of Denmark’s broader goal to become a global leader in renewable energy, with a national target to reach 6 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030. It also benefits from the strong political support and favorable regulatory framework in Denmark, which encourages innovation in green technologies.

Green Hydrogen project in Spinetta, Italy

In Spinetta, Alessandria, Italy, a project is developing integrated green hydrogen solutions that cater to various markets. This project emphasizes renewable energy sources and sustainable practices in hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. By positioning itself in a deindustrialized region, the initiative is set to revitalize the local economy, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Europe’s green energy goals. The project highlights the potential for green hydrogen to transform regions economically while reducing carbon footprints.

Alessandria’s strategic location and existing infrastructure make it an ideal hub for hydrogen distribution across Italy and Southern Europe. The project is expected to produce around 20,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year, significantly contributing to Italy’s decarbonization efforts.

HySynergy project in Fredericia, Denmark

The HySynergy project in Fredericia, Denmark, is another notable green hydrogen initiative. This project features a 20 MW electrolysis plant designed to produce green hydrogen using renewable energy sources. Despite facing delays, HySynergy remains a significant player in the region’s green hydrogen landscape, supporting local industrial hydrogen needs and contributing to Denmark’s sustainability targets.

The project is part of a larger plan to develop a 1 GW green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, positioning Denmark as a key player in the European hydrogen market. HySynergy also aims to integrate hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, further enhancing its environmental impact.

Hydrogen projects in North-Western Europe

North-Western Europe, with its well-developed industrial ports and natural gas infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to lead the hydrogen adoption as a clean energy vector. The region is leveraging its vast renewable energy resources, particularly offshore wind, to produce green hydrogen.

These projects aim to repurpose existing gas infrastructure for hydrogen delivery and integrate hydrogen into industrial processes and energy systems. The International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasizes that North-Western Europe’s efforts in hydrogen production and storage are crucial for achieving European decarbonization goals.

The region’s commitment to hydrogen is also reflected in significant investments in research and development, as well as in creating a regulatory framework that supports the growth of the hydrogen economy. By 2030, North-Western Europe aims to have a combined electrolyser capacity of 40 GW, contributing significantly to the EU’s hydrogen strategy.