In a major development for the energy sector, Redexis, a Madrid-based infrastructure company, has commenced the injection of renewable hydrogen into the country’s natural gas supply, marking the inauguration of Spain’s first hydrogen pipeline.
This historic milestone was announced on September 20, with officials asserting that it represents Europe’s first fully operational renewable hydrogen blending project.
The initiative, part of a broader strategy in Mallorca aimed at advancing Spain’s decarbonisation efforts, showcases the feasibility of integrating green hydrogen—produced from renewable sources—into existing natural gas infrastructure.
At the commissioning ceremony, Redexis CEO Fidel López Soria stated, “This achievement signifies a pivotal moment in the Spanish energy transition. The first injection of green hydrogen into the natural gas network not only underscores our commitment to sustainability but also establishes a model that can be replicated across other regions and countries, as no blending project of this scale currently exists in Europe.”
The ceremony took place at the Cas Tresorer facility, which serves as the starting point for Mallorca’s natural gas network.
Soria highlighted the importance of this project in moving toward a cleaner energy future, asserting, “Our infrastructure has the potential to transform the continental energy system in a meaningful way.”
Margalida Prohens, president of the Balearic Islands government, said, “The Balearic Islands are at the forefront of energy transition with the implementation of the first hydrogen pipeline. This clean energy is crucial for our islands’ decarbonisation efforts and plays a vital role in combating climate change. It also presents an opportunity for reindustrialisation, positioning us as benchmarks for innovation and attracting green investments.”
Officials believe that this pioneering project could inspire similar initiatives across Spain and Europe.
Miguel González Suela, Undersecretary for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, stated, “This project highlights the immense potential for green hydrogen generation in Spain. With government support mechanisms valued at €3 billion, we are fostering an attractive ecosystem for investments and innovative projects that will accelerate the ecological transition, establishing Spain as a leader in the global hydrogen market.”
Redexis is currently the sole company in Spain authorised by the Ministry for Ecological Transition to install a green hydrogen injection system. The pipeline begins at Camino de las Baterías and connects to the primary transport line from San Juan to Cas Tresorer and Son Reus.
The injected hydrogen will be accessible to all natural gas customers in Mallorca linked to the system.
The blending process utilises a static mixer, which injects a controlled volume of hydrogen into multiple high-velocity natural gas streams, ensuring uniform gas composition and minimal turbulence.
The initiative is part of the Green Hysland project, supported by the European Union through the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, which involves over 30 organizations, including energy firms and technology centers.
In the Middle East, commitment to a hydrogen economy has seen a dramatic increase, with planned capacity more than doubling over the past year. The region is now home to 83 hydrogen and ammonia projects with a total production capacity of nine million metric tonnes annually, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights. This is a major rise from the 37 projects and 4.2 million tonnes capacity reported in October 2022.
Despite progress in hydrogen production, similar efforts are needed to integrate it into the existing power generation infrastructure so as to effectively accelerate the energy transition.
By integrating hydrogen into current gas turbines and power plants, the Middle East can significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the reliability and efficiency of its energy supply.
A seamless integration strategy would involve retrofitting existing gas turbines to handle hydrogen co-firing, enhancing infrastructure for hydrogen transport and storage, and aligning regulatory frameworks to support these changes.
Mitsubishi Power, Siemens Energy and GE Vernova are already making strides with hydrogen co-firing technology, but experts say that widespread adoption will require concerted effort and investment across the sector.
