On 10 March, the Sines Arts Centre hosted the 1st Spanish-Portuguese Green Hydrogen Forum, an event that brought together over a hundred experts, companies, institutions and stakeholders from the energy sector in Spain and Portugal, marking the final event in the programme of activities for the European FUTURETECH_H2 project, a cross-border initiative in which CATEC has participated and which has been aimed at strengthening the green hydrogen value chain in the Alentejo and Andalusia regions.
This forum served not only as a forum for analysing the opportunities offered by this energy vector, but also as a strong call for Iberian cooperation to lead the production, industrial use, distribution and storage of renewable hydrogen in Europe. Participants agreed that Spain and Portugal have a historic opportunity, as they possess one of the cleanest and most competitive platforms on the continent for the development of green hydrogen. In this context, it was emphasised that collaboration between Andalusia and the Alentejo can make the Iberian Peninsula an unrivalled benchmark in hydrogen production for the rest of Europe.
Throughout the forum, the need to introduce support measures aimed at end consumers was emphasised, as these are essential for generating real demand and supporting the growth of the green hydrogen supply; it was also noted that the sector’s development requires a stable regulatory framework, economic certainty and competitive prices for renewable electricity. Furthermore, solutions were discussed to address some of the most widespread myths surrounding this technology, highlighting that water does not pose a problem for hydrogen production, as wastewater or industrial water can be used without competing with resources intended for human consumption.
A key forum for Iberian energy cooperation and innovation
During the conference, topics such as industrial decarbonisation, the development of new energy infrastructure, specialised training and flagship projects in the sector were discussed. These topics were explored through various thematic panels bringing together institutional representatives, leading companies and knowledge centres from both countries.
One of these panels was moderated by our colleague Rocío Baya Arenas, specifically Panel 2: “Andalusia and cross-border cooperation: Iberian opportunities”, which addressed the role of green hydrogen and sustainable fuels in the industrial energy transition and the opportunities presented by green hydrogen in the Andalusia–Alentejo corridor.
The opening of the forum featured Álvaro Beijinha, Mayor of Sines; João Grilo, President of ADRAL; Roberto Grilo, Vice-President of CCDR Alentejo; and Carlos Jacinto Marín, Managing Director of the Meral Business Federation (FEDEME), who highlighted the importance of working together on a shared energy transition project. The opening address was delivered by Pedro do Ó Ramos, president of the Sines and Algarve Ports Authority (APS).
Among the projects presented, the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley (Moeve) attracted particular interest due to its impact on the local supply chain and its ability to attract businesses and talent. Progress was also highlighted from companies such as EVO, which has developed the first fuel-cell-powered tractor unit, currently in the pilot phase at the port of Algeciras with a 16-hour range.
The forum also devoted part of its programme to discussing the training needs linked to the development of green hydrogen. Although Andalusia is already working on adapting educational curricula, experts highlighted the importance of moving towards more specialised training, including technical profiles, dual training and a greater number of work placements in companies.
Institutions such as EFP / CTE, IPPortalegre, the University of Évora and AICIA shared their views on how to scale up such training to boost the business sector and ensure the availability of qualified professionals.
The forum concluded with a technical visit to the Galp refinery in Sines, one of the country’s most important facilities and a strategic hub for the development of green hydrogen projects in Portugal. This visit gave attendees a first-hand insight into the existing energy infrastructure, ongoing projects and the region’s industrial potential to lead energy transition initiatives.
Futuretech_H2: Promotion and Technological Development of the Green Hydrogen Industry
A total of six partners from the regions of Alentejo (Portugal) and Andalusia (Spain) have formed part of the consortium established in November 2023 to carry out the various activities under this project, co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Spain –Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 programme, which is now in its final phase.
Specifically, CATEC, ADRAL, the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, the University of Évora, the Nao Victoria Foundation and FEDEME (as lead partner) have been the organisations responsible for driving this project, which aims to develop the green hydrogen value chain in this cross-border area, promoting and raising awareness of the potential of this energy sector as an industry of the future.
Futuretech_H2 has a total budget of €1,366,564.90 and will run until 31 March 2026.
The range of activities carried out as part of this project has led Interreg Europe to recognise some of its initiatives as success stories, specifically the digital simulator for green hydrogen production, which was implemented as one of its main pilot projects.
Equally noteworthy has been the success of the Cross-Border Roadshow, which has taken place in cities such as Seville, Huelva, Algeciras, Sines and Évora, attracting over 700 visitors, including students and the general public, to learn about the potential of green hydrogen and its applications through the technology demonstrators on display at each of its five stops.
