EDP Energias de Portugal SA – produces its first hydrogen molecule in Europe
How hydrogen is produced at the Ribatejo plant
In practice, the hydrogen molecule is produced on-site using an electrolyzer that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. Once produced, the hydrogen is compressed and stored. When the plant needs to increase electricity production, the hydrogen is blended with natural gas. This combination enables electricity generation with lower carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner energy production.
The pilot aims to test hydrogen production and turbine performance with a natural gas blend in a real-world setting, validating the technical, environmental, operational, and economic conditions of these solutions. The results will support the development of larger-scale green hydrogen production projects and assess the feasibility of adapting existing gas turbines for co-combustion.
The Ribatejo combined cycle power plant, located in Carregado, was inaugurated in April 2004. With a total installed capacity of 1,176 MW, it operates exclusively on natural gas, combining gas and steam turbines for efficient electricity generation. In addition to hosting innovative projects like FLEXnCONFU, the plant plays a key role in stabilizing the electricity system, especially at a time when renewable energy production is growing rapidly and requires greater flexibility and responsiveness.
The electrolyzer pilot at the Ribatejo plant will remain in operation until early 2026. The technical and economic feasibility results will inform EDP’s future investment decisions, taking into account both national and international hydrogen market contexts.
Aware of the challenges hydrogen still faces in terms of market dynamics, regulation, and technology, EDP – with innovation and research at its core and already producing 90% of its energy from renewables – remains committed to accelerating the global energy transition through realistic, efficient, and sustainable approaches.
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EDP Energias de Portugal SA – produces its first hydrogen molecule in Europe, source
