Repsol to build its first large-scale renewable hydrogen plant in Cartagena

Repsol is advancing steadily in its strategic plan and has approved the construction of its first large-scale electrolyzer — a 100 MW facility at its industrial complex in Cartagena, eastern Spain. Once operational, the plant will produce up to 15,000 tons of renewable hydrogen annually, which will serve as feedstock for manufacturing lower-carbon products. This marks a major step in Repsol’s transition from conventional to renewable hydrogen across its industrial sites.

The project has been designated as strategic and of common European interest (IPCEI) by both the European Commission and the Government of Spain. It will receive €155 million in funding from the Spanish Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE).

Due to its size, the project represents a significant technological undertaking, led by Repsol in partnership with Enagás Renovable, which holds a 25% stake. With a total investment exceeding €300 million, the initiative is expected to create around 900 direct, indirect, and induced jobs throughout its development phases. The electrolyzer will help prevent up to 167,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year—equivalent to two-thirds of the total emissions avoided by Spain’s entire fleet of pure electric vehicles in 2024.

Scheduled to begin operations in 2029, the plant will be a key component of the Region of Murcia’s Hydrogen Valley, one of Spain’s leading regional initiatives for clean energy. The goal is to establish an efficient hydrogen ecosystem that aligns production capacity with industrial demand. In the future, the renewable hydrogen produced could also be injected into the national gas grid and the Spanish Hydrogen Backbone.

Repsol currently stands as the largest producer and consumer of hydrogen on the Iberian Peninsula, responsible for 60% of Spain’s hydrogen output and about 4% of total European consumption. Its industrial complexes collectively produce around 360,000 tons of hydrogen each year.

Enagás Renovable, meanwhile, operates as an independent renewable energy producer specializing in renewable gases and decarbonization. The company’s portfolio in Spain includes 20 ongoing projects focused on renewable hydrogen and biomethane.