Iberian Atlantic ports to explore H2 and methanol

Led by the EnergyLab Technology Center, the €3.43 million HYDEA project brings together 11 private and public partners from Spain, France, Ireland and Portugal to drive the use of technologies based on green hydrogen.

Running for three years until 2026, the project aims to promote a clear role for hydrogen in ports’ strategic energy plans, increase knowledge of various hydrogen production technologies that are viable for use in ports, and implement technological demonstrators that attract the interest of investors.

Financed by the Interreg Atlantic Space 2021-2027 programme the project brings together four port authorities – Vigo and Seville in Spain, the port authority of Douro, Leixões and Viana do Castelo in Portugal, and Brest Bretagne in France – one technology centre, two universities and three companies.

The Port of Vigo will serve as a testing platform for the application of technological solutions that incorporate methanol and hydrogen as fuel for both ships and port vehicles.

Methanol will be produced through the hydrogenation of CO2 before examining its feasibility for use as a marine fuel whilst hydrogen will be evaluated for use in port fleet vehicles.

The port will also play a key role in the creation of the Hydea Community which will bring together stakeholders from across the value chain. This community seeks to be an international forum for the sharing of experiences, best practices and for promoting the use of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel.