Researchers from Repsol and Enagas have developed cutting-edge technology to produce green hydrogen from the direct use of solar energy through a process known as photoeletrocatalysis. 

This project is a 100% Spanish R&D development led by women and carried out in collaboration with several of the country’s most prestigious hydrogen research centres. 

The next step will be constructing a demo plant in Repsol’s Puertollano industrial complex to reach commercial maturity before 2030.

Ana Martínez, Repsol Technology Lab researcher and one of the project leaders, said the breakthrough would allow renewable energy storage on a large scale.

It can also be used as fuel in different sectors, such as mobility, in the residential and industrial fields, and as a raw material in the industry.

Photoelectrocatalysis, which uses only water and solar energy to produce renewable hydrogen, is one of the technological pathways that Repsol is working on to decarbonize its hydrogen generation. 

Co-leader of the project, María Dolores Hernández, said: “We are the leading producer and consumer of hydrogen in Spain, and this technology represents a complete reduction of emissions, compared to the conventional methods used to generate H2. 

The boost that Repsol is giving to projects related to renewable hydrogen and, specifically, to this technology will allow us to continue advancing in our commitment to being a multi-energy supplier and to sustainability, to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050.”