Spanish energy company Moeve has celebrated the start of construction of the first phase of the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, Europe’s largest renewable hydrogen project, at Palos de la Frontera, Huelva.
The first phase, known as Onuba, will have an initial 300 MW of electrolysis capacity, with the option to expand by an additional 105 MW. The project represents a joint investment of more than €1bn, including associated infrastructure and the development of a dedicated photovoltaic plant. The project, led by Moeve with a majority 51% stake, includes participation by Hy24, said to be the world’s largest clean hydrogen private equity asset manager, and COFIDES, Spain’s public-private finance institution, as strategic partners, alongside Enagás Renovable, a European developer of renewable gas projects, and Alter Enersun, a company dedicated to the development of renewable electricity generation.
The facility will be capable of producing approximately 45,000t of renewable hydrogen annually, avoiding around 250,000t CO2e. The hydrogen will be used to support the more sustainable production of fuels for transport, including maritime, while also helping to decarbonise other industries.
The Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, Europe’s largest renewable hydrogen energy project, is designed to deliver 2GW of electrolysis capacity across Moeve’s Energy Parks in Palos de la Frontera (Huelva) and San Roque (Cádiz). The project positions Andalusia as a strategic region for leading the production of green molecules, thanks to its availability of land, world-class port infrastructure and climatic conditions that enable renewable electricity generation at significantly lower costs than in northern Europe. These advantages are helping transform the region into an international hub for hydrogen innovation and technological expertise.
According to a recent report by Moeve and PwC, the growing role of green molecules, such as renewable hydrogen, 2G biofuels and biomethane, could replace up to 50% of Europe’s current fossil fuel demand by 2050, account for one-third of the continent’s energy mix and reduce CO2 emissions by 22%.
Moeve CEO Maarten Wetselaar said: “Once again, we are turning ambition into tangible reality. Today, we are turning the page on green hydrogen pilot projects towards the chapter of large-scale construction. The Onuba project reinforces Spain’s position at the forefront of Europe’s sustainable energy production and represents a decisive step towards a more competitive and energy-independent Europe.”
Image: Launch of construction at the first phase of Europe’s largest green hydrogen facility (source: Moeve)
