CNH2 Hosts the Presentation by Enagás of the Public Participation Plan for Spain’s Hydrogen Backbone – the Largest Ever Deployed in the Countryca de la red troncal de hidrógeno, el mayor desplegado en España
Last updated on 02 June, 2025
The Spanish National Hydrogen Centre (CNH2) served as the venue for the presentation of the Conceptual Public Participation Plan (PCPP) for Spain’s Hydrogen Backbone, an event organised by Enagás.
The institutional event was attended by the President of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page; the Undersecretary for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Miguel González Suela; the Government Delegate in Castilla-La Mancha, Milagros Tolón; the Regional Minister for Sustainable Development, Mercedes Gómez; and the Mayor of Puertollano, Miguel Ángel Ruiz.
Following a welcome by CNH2’s Director General, Emilio Nieto, Enagás CEO Arturo Gonzalo introduced what is considered the most extensive public participation plan (PPP) of its kind ever launched in Spain, covering 13 autonomous communities and more than 550 municipalities.
Gonzalo emphasised that this Conceptual Plan represents “a key participatory process to give voice to citizens and institutions in a nation-wide project that will drive economic and social development from the regions, while promoting a more autonomous, competitive and cleaner energy model.”
The outcomes of this plan will be compiled in a final results report, reflecting the input not only of citizens but also of numerous public administrations, organisations, and associations. According to Enagás, the objective is to gather the views of stakeholders regarding the future hydrogen network, ensuring socially and environmentally responsible actions.
Key speeches by González Suela, Tolón, and Gómez highlighted Puertollano’s international relevance in green hydrogen production and distribution. Gómez referred to the initiative as “a historic milestone for the region’s industrial sector,” especially in terms of the decarbonisation it represents.
President García-Page underscored the strategic importance of the initiative, stating at the close of the event that “Spain is a pioneer and driving force behind the renewable hydrogen network, and Europe is fully aligned with this vision.”
An 18-Month Rollout of the PPP
Enagás has set an 18-month timeline to carry out the participatory process, with Castilla-La Mancha being the first region to host these public sessions. The regional meetings will run until June and will take place in municipalities including Guadalmez, Chillón, Almadén, Saceruela, Cabezarados, Abenójar, Villamayor de Calatrava, Almodóvar del Campo, Argamasilla de Calatrava, Brazatortas, Alamillo, Almadenejos, and Puertollano (with sessions in Puertollano scheduled for May 30 and June 2).
This territorial rollout will be accompanied by the development of engineering studies to align with the project’s timeline. As reported by Enagás, the future network—also including associated hydrogen storage—has secured €40.2 million in funding, while the H2med initiative, encompassing interconnections with France (BarMar) and Portugal (CelZa), has received €35.5 million.
Development of Spain’s Hydrogen Backbone
The deployment of the initial axes of the Spanish Hydrogen Backbone foresees the construction of approximately 2,600 kilometres of underground hydrogen pipelines, both newly built and adapted from existing infrastructure. The network is structured into 15 sections across five major territorial corridors:
- Via de la Plata Axis, approximately 875 km across four segments
- Cantabrian Coast Axis, about 440 km across three segments
- Levante Axis, 505 km in four segments
- Transversal Castilla-La Mancha Axis, one segment of 235 km
- Ebro Valley Axis, three segments totalling around 535 km
Over 80% of the projected route will make use of easements from existing gas infrastructure, helping to minimise environmental and social impacts. Additionally, 21% of the network will be adapted from already constructed gas pipelines, thereby enhancing overall project efficiency. The planning also prioritises avoidance of protected natural areas, watercourses, urban centres, and densely populated zones, favouring already consolidated corridors.
From a technical standpoint, preliminary studies estimate the installation of around 110 valve positions along the route—spaced every 20 to 30 kilometres—equipped with remote operation and control systems, as well as permanent monitoring technologies to ensure safe and efficient operation.
More information: www.infraestructurasdehidrogeno.es
