Spain Sets Ambitious Green Hydrogen Target of 12GW by 2030 in New Climate Plan

Spain has raised its green hydrogen target to 12GW by 2030, as part of its updated National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), aiming to revolutionize the renewable energy and hydrogen sectors.

The Spanish government has raised its target for green hydrogen production, aiming to install 12GW of electrolysers by 2030. This updated goal is part of Spain’s newly approved National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan 2023-2030 (PNIEC), significantly increasing the previous target of 4GW set in the country’s 2020 Renewable Hydrogen Roadmap.

Green Hydrogen Revolution: A Boost for Industry

Under the new PNIEC, Spain aims for 74% of the hydrogen used by industries to be green by 2030. This ambitious target exceeds the 42% benchmark agreed upon by EU member states last year as part of the Renewable Energy Directive.

The increased green hydrogen goals are seen as a strategic move to solidify Spain’s leadership in the European energy transition and bolster the country’s renewable energy sector.

Renewable Energy Expansion

The PNIEC also sets out a plan to install 160GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, up from the 113GW outlined in the previous version of the plan for the 2021-2030 period. By the end of 2023, Spain had already installed 77.4GW of renewable energy, positioning the nation as a leading force in Europe’s shift to cleaner energy sources.

Water Conservation Concerns Dismissed

The environmental assessment of the PNIEC, conducted by the General Directorate of Quality and Environmental Assessment, addressed concerns that green hydrogen production would increase water consumption in Spain, a country known for its semi-arid climate. The assessment clarified that green hydrogen uses less water compared to other forms of clean hydrogen, making it a more sustainable option.

A Milestone for Teresa Ribera

The approval of the updated PNIEC is one of the final significant actions of Teresa Ribera, Spain’s minister for ecological transition and the demographic challenge. Ribera will soon take on a new role as executive vice-president for clean, just, and competitive transition at the European Commission, serving as the second-in-command to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.