Inform industrial decarbonisation and hydrogen strategy under REPowerEU    

As Spain advances the implementation of its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and contributes to the EU’s REPowerEU and net-zero-by-2050 objectives, strategic questions arise regarding the role of renewable-rich Member States in Europe’s energy transition. Spain’s strong solar and wind potential positions the country as a potential hub for renewable hydrogen production while also offering opportunities for innovative industrial decarbonisation solutions.

Within this policy context, Spain contributed a national case study to the Man0EUvRE project under the CETPartnership Joint Call 2022, which aims to strengthen coordination between national energy planning and EU-wide transition pathways. The Spanish analysis focused on two policy-relevant issues: the potential role of Spain as a producer and exporter of renewable hydrogen, and the use of solar thermal heat with storage for industrial decarbonisation. 

The analysis was conducted using the TIMES-Sinergia national energy system model and benchmarked against the pan-European GENeSYS-MOD modelling framework. Several long-term scenarios to 2050 were explored to assess alternative assumptions on renewable deployment, hydrogen infrastructure development, and industrial heat decarbonisation options. The results highlight how national energy system modelling can support infrastructure planning and investment strategies while ensuring alignment between national policy priorities and EU-wide climate and energy objectives.