The Futuretech H2 project, framed in the 3rd Call of the Interreg VI-A Spain-Portugal Program (Poctep) 2021-2027, recently presented a diagnosis on the current state and prospects of the green hydrogen sector in the regions of Andalusia and Alentejo. This study, led by the Advanced Center for Aerospace Technologies (Catec), reveals a significant “potential for the development of necessary technologies and equipment in this crucial sector for the energy transition”.
The Futuretech H2 initiative, with a budget of 1,366,564.9 euros, is being carried out by a consortium of six partners from the Alentejo-Portugal and Andalusia regions (Catec, Adral, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, University of Évora, Nao Victoria Foundation, and Fedeme).
This document examines the green hydrogen sector, focusing on its current state and the implementation of new business models related to green hydrogen between Spain and Portugal. It analyzes technological, economic, and regulatory aspects, highlighting the crucial role of hydrogen production and storage technologies in the energy transition to more sustainable sources.
Initially, the study describes various technologies for hydrogen production, such as hydrocarbon reforming and water electrolysis. It highlights the production of hydrogen from renewable sources, such as solar and wind energy, as an increasing option that could reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
The study also identifies key promoters and investors in the sector, both public and private, who are driving the development of green hydrogen and identifies the most significant projects that are in process or planning stages, aimed at developing energy infrastructures that integrate green hydrogen as an essential component.
Additionally, the study reviews the legal framework and government policies supporting the sector, including incentives and subsidies that promote investment and innovation in hydrogen technologies. 
Andalusia and Alentejo, Leading the Future of the Sector
The study on the development and implementation of new business models for the sector globally and cross-border (definition and deployment of the supply chain) indicates that the hydrogen sector is currently at an unprecedented moment, poised to develop on a large scale in the coming years.
Regionally, Andalusia and Alentejo have many advantages and opportunities that can be harnessed in this sector in the coming decades: from the perspective of green hydrogen production and its derivatives, as they have good renewable resources; and from the technological development perspective, as they have a robust industrial fabric, ports, and industrial hubs. Not only in the production of renewable hydrogen and derivatives but also in the development of equipment and vehicles that consume it, such as the automotive, aerospace, and naval sectors.
Andalusia and Alentejo have great potential for green hydrogen production, industrial hubs, ports, and large energy companies, making them potential producers of renewable energy resources, both for national consumption and for export to central regions of Europe. Furthermore, both regions have a substantial industrial fabric, allowing the development of the necessary technologies and equipment in the sector, as well as research and training centers.
In conclusion, according to the results of this study, Andalusia and Alentejo have everything necessary to become leaders in the renewable hydrogen sector in the coming decades.
