Europe's largest green hydrogen project is being built in southwest Spain

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🗞️ Driving the news: Moeve has begun construction on Onuba, the first phase of the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley in Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, presented as Europe's largest green hydrogen project
• The phase carries 300 MW of electrolysis capacity, with an option for a further 105 MW, and investment above €1 billion including associated infrastructure and a solar plant for self-consumption

🔭 The context: Onuba is the first stage of a planned 2 GW build across Palos de la Frontera and San Roque in Cádiz
• Moeve holds 51%, with Hy24 and Cofides at 29% and Enagás Renovable and Alter Enersun the remaining 20%
• The EU has designated it a Project of Common Interest, and it has received €304 million from the Spanish government through NextGenerationEU
• Moeve estimates over 8,000 direct jobs during development and support for more than 400 SMEs.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The facility is expected to produce around 45,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually, avoiding roughly 250,000 tonnes of CO2, with output directed at fuels for road, air and maritime transport, sectors that resist direct electrification
• Renewable electricity accounts for most of green hydrogen's production cost
• As such, Spain's solar and wind resources and available land are what make the economics work where they have failed elsewhere in Europe

⏭️ What's next: Moeve intends to connect Huelva production to other European industrial hubs by pipeline or maritime transport
• The company plans €2.4 billion in Andalusian energy transition projects overall, including a second-generation biofuels plant producing sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel

💬 One quote: "Today we are turning the page on green hydrogen pilot projects and moving into the chapter of large-scale construction" — Maarten Wetselaar, Chief Executive, Moeve

📈 One stat: Around 45,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen a year, avoiding approximately 250,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

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