The green hydrogen is positioning itself as a key energy vector for the decarbonisation of industrial processes, heavy transport and critical energy backup. More and more companies, industries and public bodies are investigating how to implement it in their operations, not only to comply with environmental standardsbut also to gain efficiency, resilience and competitiveness.
In this article we explore the key steps to implement green hydrogen solutions, based on real projects in which Regenera is involved, such as Green HY CELL e HidroGREENThe results of these studies show that this technology is already an applicable reality.
Green hydrogen projects with the participation of Regenera
Research is key to advancing new technologies that will enable us to producing energy in the most sustainable way possible for the planet, such as the green hydrogen production projects in which Regenera is involved:
Green HY CELL Project
The Green HY CELL project, funded by the CDTI under the Science and Innovation Missions programme, aims to develop advanced prototypes of low noble metal content membrane electrolysers (PEM). The equipment is between 0.5 and 1 kW and is designed for improving efficiency and reducing costs in green hydrogen productionusing alternative materials such as titanium-felted anodes and carbonaceous cathodes with reduced iridium and platinum loads.
This approach aims to reduce dependence on critical resources, make the value chain more sustainable and bring green hydrogen production closer to a more competitive and scalable model. The project involves five companies and four research groups working together to take these advances from the laboratory to industrial application.
https://regeneraenergy.es/proyecto/green-hy-cell/
HidroGREEN Project
The HidroGREEN project, led by a regional platform with the participation of Aiguasol, was a pioneer in the Region of Murcia by producing green hydrogen using renewable energy and storage systems. Regenera was part of the technological development of this consortium, helping to demonstrate that green hydrogen can be generated and managed efficiently on an industrial scale.
This project served as a model for testing production and storage solutions that enable industries and public bodies to move towards energy independence and carbon reduction.
https://regeneraenergy.es/proyecto/hydrogreen/
Technological keys: PEM and SOEC electrolysers
Two main electrolysis technologies are at work in the reference projects:
- PEM (proton exchange membrane)Ideal for working with intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. They stand out for their flexibility and for operating in small and medium scale modular systems.
- SOEC (high temperature solid oxide electrolysis)Green HY CELL: Although not the focus of Green HY CELL, it is a key technology where industrial waste heat is available. It allows high efficiencies (75-85 %), co-electrolysis of water and CO₂ for syngas production and the option to operate as a reversible fuel cell.
Both technologies complement each other depending on the needs and resources available in each company or organisation.
Phases in implementing green hydrogen solutions
Diagnosis and planning
The first step is to conduct a detailed analysis of energy consumption and production processes to identify where green hydrogen can add the most value. It is also essential to assess the availability of nearby renewable energies and the physical space required for the installation of electrolysers and storage systems.
Technology selection and system design
The choice of electrolyser type (PEM or SOEC) and the sizing of the system depends on the consumption profile, the scale of the project and the availability of resources. It is key to integrate the production system with secure storage and, where necessary, fuel cells to generate back-up electricity.
Installation and integration
In this phase, the main equipment is installed: electrolysers, storage tanks and auxiliary systems. Integration with existing infrastructure requires a detailed plan to minimise the impact on day-to-day operations.
Commissioning and validation
Once the system is installed, acceptance and calibration tests are carried out. Continuous monitoring verifies performance and ensures that efficiency, safety and sustainability targets are met.
Benefits of implementing green hydrogen
Before detailing the benefits, it is important to highlight that green hydrogen is not only a tool to reduce emissions, but also a strategic opportunity to boost efficiency, strengthen energy resilience and position companies and institutions at the forefront of the green transition.
Emission reduction and compliance
The production and use of green hydrogen makes it possible to replace fossil fuels in industrial processes and meet the decarbonisation targets set by European and national policies.
Energy optimisation
Integration with renewable energies and the storage capacity of hydrogen help stabilise demand and reduce energy costs in the long term.
Innovation and competitiveness
The adoption of green hydrogen solutions drives technological innovation and strengthens the competitiveness of companies and institutions. Implementing these technologies allows companies to position themselves as leaders in the energy transition, reinforcing their leadership in sustainability and increasing their capacity to adapt to the challenges of the current and future markets.
Conclusion
The implementation of green hydrogen in companies, industries and organisations is no longer just a vision of the future, but a reality that is being developed in projects such as the ones in which it participates. Regenera. These initiatives demonstrate that, with the right technology and strategic planning, it is possible to produce, store and use renewable hydrogen efficiently, safely and competitively.
The road to decarbonisation is to integrate green hydrogen as a key part of the new energy model. The examples seen in this article show that making the leap towards this energy vector is not only possible, but necessary to build a more sustainable future.