One more step towards transformation
The EDP project to convert the Aboño coal-fired power plant into a green hydrogen production plant has advanced in its process. The resolution of the Minister of the Ecological Transition, Industry and Economic Development, Nieves Roqueñí, published in the Official Gazette of the Principality (BOPA) on March 7, has approved the modification of the Integrated Environmental Authorization for the facility. This plant is located in the municipalities of Carreño and Gijón.
Project adaptation
The modification of the authorization is carried out to adapt it to the implementation of the project called Asturias H2 Valley Project. This resolution includes the integrated environmental authorization for the facility called ‘Aboño Thermal Power Plant’, with the incorporation of Aboño Generaciones Eléctricas S.L.U. as co-owner.
Additional steps
However, the effectiveness of the Integrated Environmental Authorization for the review of the facility is subject to the presentation of a responsible declaration to the Principality within a maximum period of three months. In addition, a report must be submitted that evaluates compliance with the conditions established in the authorization.
Resources and permissions
In case of disagreement with this resolution, which marks the end of the administrative procedure, a contentious-administrative appeal can be filed before the Contentious-Administrative Courts of Oviedo within a period of two months. An optional appeal for reconsideration can also be presented within a period of one month before filing the contentious-administrative appeal.
Environmental Impact Statement
The Asturias H2 Valley project obtained a favorable Environmental Impact Statement (DIA) from the Principality’s Department of Ecological Transition last December. This declaration allows EDP to begin the transformation of its plant and launch the first 150 megawatts (MW) of electrolysis capacity to produce green hydrogen.
Future plans
EDP plans to commission this first phase between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. In addition, the installation of 350 MW of electrolyzers is planned in a second phase, which would raise the capacity to 500 MW. The electricity needed for the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis would come from renewable energy generation plants.
Collaboration and approval
The European Commission (EC) approved the joint acquisition of the Aboño thermal power plant by EDP and Corporación Masaveu, concluding that the operation does not raise competition conflicts. This initiative was declared a Project of Common Interest (PCI) and will allow the Asturian green hydrogen valley to benefit from accelerated planning and permitting processes, better regulatory conditions, lower administrative costs, greater visibility for investors and access to financing from the Connect Europe Fund. (CEF).
Conclusion
The green hydrogen plant in Aboño has obtained integrated environmental authorization, which represents significant progress in the transformation project of the coal-fired power plant. This project, called the Asturias H2 Valley Project, will allow the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis. The first phase is expected to be operational between late 2025 and early 2026, with expansion plans in the future. The collaboration between EDP and Corporación Masaveu, as well as the approval of the European Commission, support this project and provide opportunities for the development of the Asturian green hydrogen valley.