Smartenergy has confirmed that its Orange.bat project has passed the environmental impact assessment (EIA), marking the final step before obtaining the environmental licence (IEP). This makes Orange.bat the first green hydrogen plant to be authorised in the Autonomous Community of Valencia. The plant is set to support the decarbonisation of the ceramics industry in the province of Castellón.
Also see: First renewable hydrogen auction on the Iberian market started
Smartenergy
The Orange.bat project, part of the Orange H2 Valley Smartenergy initiative, has received recognition from the Valencian government as a Priority Investment Project (Proyecto Prioritario de Inversión). This status grants administrative and procedural advantages, accelerating the project's realisation by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Now in its final development phase, commissioning is scheduled for May 2028.
100 MW electrolyser built in Onda
The 100 MW electrolyser will be constructed in Onda (Castellón), strategically located close to end users. With an annual production capacity of 16,446 t of green hydrogen, the plant will supply local industry and help avoid 108,000 t of CO₂ equivalent emissions per year. The project is expected to generate 34 direct jobs and 150 indirect jobs, with additional employment opportunities during the construction phase and through related activities.
Also see: ees Europe: Strong focus on hydrogen
Smartenergy has also confirmed plans for a second 80 MW electrolyser in Alcora. The approval of the environmental impact assessment marks a key milestone, affirming the feasibility of Smartenergy's 350 MW project pipeline in Spain, aimed at decarbonising the industry. (nhp)
