The Basque Country is taking decisive steps towards decarbonisation, and several strategic projects are now underway that will place the region in the vanguard of the move to renewable hydrogen. These projects are being undertaken as part of the Basque Hydrogen Strategy and the Basque Hydrogen Corridor (BH2C) — two initiatives whose aim is to incorporate this energy vector into industry, transport and clean fuels.
One of the key milestones in this process is Basque Hydrogen, a company in which EVE has a stake through a public-private partnership. The project involves installing a 10 MW electrolyzer at Bilbao Port, capable of producing up to 1,600 tonnes of green hydrogen per year using renewable electricity. Most of the hydrogen will be used to manufacture synthetic fuels at the Synkedia plant, which is also located in the port of Bilbao. Synthfuels, which are obtained by combining green hydrogen and captured CO2, are a sustainable alternative to petroleum derivatives, especially in sectors where direct electrification is not feasible, such as aviation or shipping.
In the area of transport, IBIL —in which EVE has a 50% shareholding— is heading up the creation of infrastructures for the supply of renewable hydrogen. Of particular importance has been the creation of two hydrogen refuelling stations: one at the Energy Intelligence Centre (EIC) in Abanto technology park and another at Bilbao Airport, which will enable decarbonisation of the bus service between the terminal and the city. These facilities will supply hydrogen at 350 and 700 bar, enabling more fuel-cell driven vehicles to be rolled out and fostering more sustainable mobility.
EVE is a partner in the European PHYRENE project, whose aim is to develop and consolidate the renewable hydrogen value chain on a cross-border scale in the Pyrenees area. The initiative is being developed within the framework of the INTERREG VI-A Spain-France-Andorra programme (POCTEFA 2021-2027). Its aim is to generate business, research and institutional synergies to further the energy transition and strengthen inter-territorial cooperation.
The Basque Country’s involvement underscores its commitment to the energy transition, creating an ecosystem that combines production, distribution and use of renewable hydrogen in order to advance towards a sustainable, low-emission future.
