Spain's energy operator Enagás has officially launched the public participation plan for the country's ambitious hydrogen backbone network, a sprawling infrastructure project poised to become Europe's largest of its kind.
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Enagás CEO Arturo Gonzalo presented what will be the largest public participation plan of its kind in Spain, which will encompass 13 autonomous communities and more than 550 municipalities, at an event that was also attended by the Director General of CNH2, Emilio Nieto.
Unveiled at the National Hydrogen Centre in Puertollano, Castilla-La Mancha, the announcement marks a pivotal moment in Spain's strategy to position itself as a leading continental hydrogen hub.
The proposed network will span 2,600 kilometers, reaching 13 autonomous communities, the VÃa de la Plata Axis (around 875 kilometres and four sections), the Cantabrian Coast Axis (around 440 kilometres and three sections), the Levante Axis (around 505 kilometres and four sections), the Castile-La Mancha Transversal Axis (around 235 kilometres and one section) and the Ebro Valley Axis (around 535 kilometres and three sections)
connecting more than 550 municipalities across Spain.
More than 80% of the new network will run along the existing gas infrastructure.
21% of the network will involve re-using existing pipelines.
In construction, existing infrastructure corridors will be utilised to avoid affecting natural and protected areas and watercourses, as well as urban centres and areas of high population density.
In construction, existing infrastructure corridors will be utilised to avoid affecting natural and protected areas and watercourses, as well as urban centres and areas of high population density.
Preliminary studies for the project envisage about 110 newly constructed valve positions, which will be located at a distance of about 20 to 30 km along the same line as the pipeline route.
They will be equipped with remote actuation and control systems, as well as permanent monitoring to ensure safe operation.
These preliminary studies estimate the need for three compressor stations located in Coreses (Zamora), Tivissa (Tarragona) and Villar de Arnedo (La Rioja).
In the technical field, the company has launched the conceptual engineering of the hydrogen backbone network in Spain and has already awarded the contracts for the basic engineering of the compressor stations and hydroproducts.
It has also carried out a pre-selection of piping and compressor suppliers, and has strengthened the engineering team that will carry out the work.
In November, Enagás submitted four new sections of the Trunk Network to the second call for European Projects of Common Interest (PCI).
Its development, which includes an additional 1,480 kilometres of route and is planned from 2030 onwards, will enable all the autonomous communities of the Iberian Peninsula to be connected to the hydrogen network.
Recognized by the European Union as a Project of Common Interest (PCI), the hydrogen backbone has already secured over 75 million euros ($80.5 million) through the EU's Connecting Europe Facility.
During the launch of the public consultation related to the massive hydrogen project, Arturo Gonzalo, CEO of Enagas, said the project was advancing ahead of schedule in Spain, adding that it could be operational by 2030.
The final investment decision is anticipated in 2027, with the construction work beginning in 2028.
The finished network will feature five primary corridors, including strategic routes like the VÃa de la Plata and the Ebro Valley.
Additionally, it will integrate with the cross-border H2Med corridor, establishing direct hydrogen links between Spain, Portugal, and France and solidifying Spain's role as a vital energy bridge for Europe. ■