Green hydrogen production has officially begun at Viscofan’s industrial site in Cáseda, Navarra, marking a major step forward for low-carbon manufacturing in northern Spain. The project is part of H2OP, a collaborative initiative bringing together Viscofan, Nordex Electrolyzers, technology centre AIN, and the start-up URAPHEX, and aligns closely with the Government of Navarra’s strategy to position hydrogen as a cornerstone of regional decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness.
The project has moved from concept to operation at exceptional speed. In just two months, the partners completed the installation and commissioning of a 500-kilowatt electrolyser, fully designed, manufactured and assembled in Spain by Nordex Electrolyzers, alongside a dedicated water treatment and recovery system. The hydrogen unit has been seamlessly integrated into Viscofan’s existing boiler infrastructure.
Once fully operational, the system produces 100 normal cubic metres of green hydrogen per hour, enabling Viscofan to significantly cut its reliance on fossil fuels. The transition is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 480 tonnes per year, demonstrating the immediate climate impact of hydrogen deployment in industrial heat applications.
Íñigo Martínez, CEO of Viscofan Spain, highlighted the broader significance of the achievement:
“This pioneering collaboration has enabled us to generate green hydrogen directly at our facilities for use in industrial boilers. It is a decisive milestone for the future of sustainable energy in manufacturing and firmly positions Navarra as a leader in energy innovation and circular industrial models.”
From the technology provider’s perspective, Luis Solla, CEO of Nordex Electrolyzers, emphasized execution speed and coordination:
“The rapid integration of the electrolyser into the boiler supply system reflects excellent cooperation among all partners. Being part of H2OP represents a concrete and meaningful step toward industrial decarbonisation through green hydrogen.”
The Government of Navarra also underscored the strategic relevance of the project. Mikel Irujo Amezaga, Regional Minister for Industry and for the Ecological and Digital Business Transition and President of public investment company SODENA, described the initiative as transformative:
“This project marks a turning point for our industrial base and our region. Navarra is once again demonstrating leadership in energy sovereignty and decarbonisation. It is a milestone not only for Navarra, but for Spain and Europe.”
He also noted that the project received financial backing from SODENA through its shareholding in Nordex Electrolyzers.
Water efficiency and circularity are another key component of the system. Javier López, CEO of URAPHEX, stressed the role of smart resource management:
“The start of green hydrogen production in Cáseda proves the power of collaboration. Our water recovery and management technologies optimize resource use and reinforce the sustainability of the entire process. Navarra continues to show its ability to lead in clean energy innovation.”
AIN also highlighted the importance of the regional ecosystem. Ana Ursúa, Managing Director of the association, stated:
“Navarra has a strong industrial fabric capable of leading the clean energy transition. This project shows how collaboration between companies, technology centres and public institutions can accelerate decarbonisation and deliver real industrial change.”
The H2OP initiative is supported under the 2024–2027 Strategic R&D Aid Programme of the Government of Navarra, within Challenge 2 AERO VIII, which focuses on the green energy industry. The project has received €838,428.98 in funding, co-financed by the Government of Navarra and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
With hydrogen now flowing at the Cáseda plant, Navarra further strengthens its position as a reference region for industrial energy innovation, demonstrating how public-private collaboration can turn climate ambitions into operational reality.
