The Port of Alicante is betting on green hydrogen: 30-year concession to build and operate a new plant

The Alicante Port Authority (Autoridad Portuaria de Alicante) has launched an administrative procedure to build the first green hydrogen plant. The public competition announced is for the construction and operation of the plant, which is expected to become a key component of the region's renewable energy deployment strategy.

Tender details and location

As announced, the competition includes the awarding of a concession for the development of a plot of land of approximately 500 m² at the southern end of Pier 19 (Muelle 19). This is where the actual installation will be built. In addition, the project envisages providing more than 3,000 m² of space on the sheltering breakwater for the installation of systems that generate energy from renewable sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines.

This energy will directly power the hydrogen production process. The company that wins the tender will be required to bear the cost of building the plant in exchange for the right to operate it for a period of 30 years.

PORTALI-H2 project: a milestone towards decarbonization

Construction of the plant is part of a broader project called PORTALI-H2. According to port sources, the investment represents "a decisive step in the integration of clean industrial technologies." The main goals are:

• Improving energy efficiency.
• Reducing emissions associated with port operations.
• Provide clean fuel for maritime and land transportation associated with the port.

The installation will enable the production, storage and delivery of renewable hydrogen directly at the port. This will facilitate the introduction of green solutions in logistics, including both ships and port machinery or vehicle fleets.

"Renewable hydrogen, alongside electrification and other clean energy sources, is a central pillar of our strategy to reduce our carbon footprint and strengthen the port's competitiveness in the long term." - Port of Alicante officials stress.

Technical and environmental requirements

The tender is designed to select the bid that best fits into the framework of sustainable development. The selected technical option must meet a number of criteria:

1. Power: Electrolyzer capacity at approximately 1 MW.
2. Esthetics: The design must minimize the visual impact of the development on the harbor landscape.
3. Safety: Maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental compatibility.
4. Documentation: Interested companies must submit a detailed operation plan, commercial strategy and an economic and financial analysis proving the project's viability.

Alicante as Mediterranean clean energy leader

The initiative is part of the Strategic Energy Transition Agenda that the port authority is pursuing, aiming to create a low-carbon and digital governance model. With projects such as the VAHIA 2030 cluster, Alicante is positioning itself as a kind of "testing ground" and driver of the hydrogen revolution throughout the province.

The new green hydrogen plant is expected not only to contribute to environmental protection, but also to attract modern investment and consolidate the advanced energy ecosystem, making the Port of Alicante a benchmark in the Mediterranean.

Source: Alicante Plaza