Portugal Takes a Major Step in Energy Transition with First Green Hydrogen Production

Portuguese energy company EDP marked a significant milestone in its energy transition strategy and Portugal's decarbonization goals with the production of green hydrogen at its repurposed Ribatejo thermal power plant in Carregado, Lisbon district. The initiative transforms a former fossil-fuel facility into a clean-technology hub, aligning with EDP's plan to phase out coal by 2025 and achieve 100 percent renewable generation by 2030. The plant, powered by a 5-megawatt electrolyzer using proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology, will provide practical experience across the hydrogen value chain, supporting Portugal's broader green hydrogen strategy and its aim for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Key Takeaways:

EDP's Ribatejo thermal power plant in Carregado, Lisbon district, has become the first facility in Portugal and Europe to produce green hydrogen, marking a significant step in the country's energy transition strategy.
The facility, repurposed from a fossil-fuel site, will be used to explore optimal applications and business models for green hydrogen, including production, storage, and conversion into electricity.
EDP aims to phase out coal by 2025 and achieve 100 percent renewable generation by 2030, supporting Portugal's broader green hydrogen strategy.
The project utilizes a 5-megawatt electrolyzer using proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology, initially scheduled to start by the end of 2024 but became operational in September 2025.
Portugal's Atlantic location, natural gas infrastructure, and abundant low-cost renewable resources make it an attractive hub for developing large-scale green hydrogen and exporting it to other European countries.
The Portuguese government aims to meet 80 percent of electricity consumption with renewables by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The project provides practical experience across the hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, and conversion into electricity, supporting Portugal's green hydrogen strategy.

Statistics:

The Ribatejo thermal power plant has a 5-megawatt electrolyzer using proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology.
Portugal aims to achieve 100 percent renewable generation by 2030.
The country plans to meet 80 percent of electricity consumption with renewables by 2030.
EDP's initiative supports Portugal's broader green hydrogen strategy and aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Sources:

Xinhua news agency via COMTEX