CIUDEN: The Spanish laboratory that lights the flame of green hydrogen
CIUDEN: The Spanish laboratory that lights the flame of green hydrogen

MITECO and the New Tenders at CIUDEN

Hello, hydrogen and energy transition enthusiasts! Today we’re going to delve into a topic that’s not only crucial for Spain’s energy future but also for global decarbonization. We’re talking about the new tenders opened by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) through the Ciudad de la Energía Foundation (CIUDEN). These tenders, totaling nearly 12 million euros, aim to develop advanced technologies for the production and storage of green hydrogen. Let’s break down this announcement and understand its importance within the energy landscape.

CIUDEN: Pioneers in the Energy of the Future

The Ciudad de la Energía Foundation (CIUDEN) is a key organization attached to the Institute for a Just Transition (ITJ), under the MITECO. This entity is dedicated to promoting technological projects that foster sustainability and decarbonization, and its work is vital in the development of new energy technologies in Spain.

The Ciudad de la Energía Foundation has been researching and developing clean energy technologies for decades. Today, it has become a national and international benchmark in the field of green hydrogen. With a clear vision towards a sustainable future, CIUDEN is leading the way towards a decarbonized economy.

Green Hydrogen: The Fuel of the Future

But what exactly is green hydrogen and why is it so important? Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. Unlike gray hydrogen, obtained from fossil fuels, green hydrogen does not generate CO2 emissions, making it a clean and sustainable energy vector.

CIUDEN at the forefront of innovation

The latest tenders opened by CIUDEN are a clear sign of its commitment to green hydrogen. With an investment of 11.8 million euros, the foundation is promoting cutting-edge projects such as:

  • State-of-the-art electrolyzers: CIUDEN is developing SOEC and PEM electrolyzers, which will allow for more efficient and economical production of green hydrogen.

  • Hydrogen storage: Investments will be made in hydrogen compression and storage systems to ensure a continuous and stable supply.

  • E-fuels: the fuel of the future: CIUDEN is exploring the production of synthetic fuels from green hydrogen and captured CO2, such as synthetic natural gas and methanol.

  • Biomass gasification: The adaptation of the biomass gasifier will allow the generation of syngas that can be used to produce sustainable liquid fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Tender Details: Innovation and TechnologyHigh-Temperature and PEM Electrolyzers

Two of the tenders focus on the development of electrolysis systems, which are fundamental for the production of green hydrogen. The first, with a budget of 5.7 million euros, seeks to develop a system based on solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC). This technology allows for high-temperature operation and has the ability to operate reversibly, generating electricity from hydrogen in fuel cell mode (SOFC). The high efficiency of SOECs makes them a promising option for maximizing hydrogen production.

On the other hand, a tender has been launched for 940,000 euros for a water electrolysis system using proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. PEM electrolyzers are known for their high efficiency and rapid response, making them ideal for integration with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. These systems are fundamental to increasing the capacity of renewable hydrogen production in Spain, a key objective within the 2023-2030 National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC).

Hydrogen Compression and Storage Hydrogen storage is one of the most significant technical challenges in its mass adoption. To address this challenge, CIUDEN has allocated 2.4 million euros to the creation of a hydrogen compression and storage system. This system will not only allow the storage of produced hydrogen but also transport it efficiently where needed. Compression is essential to increase the energy density of hydrogen, allowing it to be stored in smaller volumes and facilitating its transportation.

Production of Electrofuels Another innovative aspect of these tenders is the inclusion of two pilot projects for the production of electrofuels. These synthetic fuels will be produced from green hydrogen and captured CO2. One of the projects, with a budget of 1.3 million euros, will focus on the generation of synthetic natural gas (SNG). The other, endowed with 1 million euros, will be dedicated to the production of methanol, a fuel that can be used in a variety of industrial and transportation applications.

Adaptation of Existing Technologies Finally, CIUDEN has launched a tender to adapt the biomass gasifier at the Cubillos del Sil Technology Development Center. With a budget of 459,162 euros, this project aims to modify the gasifier so that it can use mixtures of pure oxygen, steam, and CO2 as gasifying agents. This will allow the generation of syngas suitable for the production of sustainable liquid fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Why is this project crucial?

CIUDEN’s projects are more than just research; they are a catalyst for a sustainable future. By reducing our carbon footprint and improving air quality, green hydrogen is a game-changer. This industry has the potential to create countless jobs and attract significant foreign investment. From powering our vehicles to fueling our industries, green hydrogen is the key to a decarbonized economy. Spain is leading the charge in this energy revolution, and CIUDEN’s initiatives are paving the way for a greener future. Are you ready to be part of the solution? Join us in shaping a sustainable tomorrow.

Spain at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution

With initiatives such as those of CIUDEN, Spain is positioning itself as a benchmark in the development of hydrogen technologies. The new National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan sets ambitious targets for the deployment of renewable hydrogen in our country.

The future is hydrogen

Although challenges remain, the future of green hydrogen is promising. With a growing demand for clean and sustainable energy, hydrogen is set to play an increasingly important role in our energy matrix.

Are you ready to be part of this revolution?

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