Spain leads the second auction of the European Hydrogen Bank
The European Union continues to boost renewable hydrogen production as part of its decarbonisation strategy. In this context, The European Commission has awarded €992.8 million in subsidies to 15 renewable hydrogen projects under the second auction of the European Hydrogen Bank.
Notably, Spain leads the selection in terms of project numbers, with 8 of the 15 initiatives approved, positioning it as a frontrunner in Europe's hydrogen sector.
The supported projects will collectively produce 2.2 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over 10 years, via water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, contributing to a reduction of approximately 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. They will focus on industrial applications, including the transport, chemical, ammonia, and methanol sectors.
They will receive premiums ranging from €0.20 to €0.60 per kilogram of hydrogen, with three maritime-focused projects receiving between €0.45 to €1.88/kg due to higher associated costs.
The funding is provided through the EU Innovation Fund, which is financed by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
Spain, Lithuania, and Austria have activated the "Auction-as-a-Service" mechanism to mobilize an additional €836 million for national hydrogen projects that did not succeed in the main auction.
The Spanish projects selected (~€292M in subsidies, 891 MW capacity) are:
- Villamartin H2 – coordinated by Galena Renovables
- Puerto Serrano H2 – also led by Galena Renovables
- SolWinHy Cádiz – developed by Viridi RE
- H2LZ – by Ignis Hidrógeno Alfa
- AGS (Armonia Green Sevilla)
- AGG280 (Armonia Green Galicia)
- H2CRI – promoted by Green Devco Energy
- Tordesillas H2 – developed by Elawan Energy
A third European Hydrogen Bank auction is scheduled for late 2025, with a similar funding envelope (~€1 billion). For stakeholders or organisations seeking further technical details or participation opportunities, the following resources are available:
- EU Innovation Fund – Hydrogen Bank Auctions
- EU Funding & Tenders Portal
- National contacts: IDAE (Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy), or Ministry for the Ecological Transition (MITECO) in Spain.