Mission
Demonstrate the potential of green hydrogen production and supply for mobility and logistics, using photovoltaic solar energy and advanced control technologies, under real-world public service conditions.
Vision
Serve as a model for the implementation of a national network of public hydrogen stations, promoting the decarbonization of transport and the energy transition in Spain.
The CSIC hydrogen refueling station, to be located at the El Cisne service station (Zaragoza), will be the first public facility in Spain to supply green hydrogen generated on-site from photovoltaic solar energy. The project, developed by the CSIC in collaboration with the Zoilo Ríos Group, aims to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of producing and dispensing renewable hydrogen for different types of vehicles: trucks, buses, cars, and logistics fleets.
The facility will feature a photovoltaic array powering a PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyzer, which will produce hydrogen from water. The system will integrate intelligent controls capable of predicting production and demand, optimizing operation through artificial intelligence algorithms and 48-72 hourly weather forecasts. The entire system will be remotely controllable via the internet, providing flexibility and adaptability to different demand scenarios and renewable resource availability.
The project will be modular and scalable, allowing it to be adapted to different locations and needs. Furthermore, it will be part of the CSIC's TransEner Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform, which focuses on improving the generation, storage, and distribution of renewable energy, with support from European funds under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
The total planned investment will exceed €6 million, of which €4.5 million will come from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) through Next Generation EU funding, and €1.5 million will be contributed by the Zoilo Ríos Group. The Government of Aragon has declared the project to be of Regional Interest, which will expedite administrative procedures and reinforce the region's commitment to leading the production and use of hydrogen in Aragonese industry. The estimated lifespan of the facility is 25 years.
Alliances and institutional support:
The project has the institutional support of CEEES (Spanish Confederation of Service Station Business Owners), for the incorporation of hydrogen into the service station network, as well as the backing of the Government of Aragon for its declaration of regional interest.
