Axpo Iberia and clean-tech pioneer TURN2X have, today, signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the production of green gas produced by electrolysis. Under the deal, Axpo is supplying renewable electricity generated by Aquila Clean Energy to power a pioneering electrolyser operated by TURN2X which is already producing renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO). This marks significant progress towards the decarbonisation of hard-to-electrify industrial sectors and the meeting of European climate targets.
The electrolyser is the first in Spain to produce RFNBO methane gas, using TURN2X’s innovative patented process. The module uses renewable electricity supplied by Axpo, which manages the supply from plants developed by Aquila Clean Energy, to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) in accordance with European standards. This process combines green hydrogen, generated from the electrolysis of water, with captured biogenic CO2, thus achieving a sustainable fuel that can be transported through existing gas infrastructure. The technology not only contributes to the decarbonisation of hard-to-electrify industries – such as energy-intensive ceramics, steel plants, and the maritime sector – but also strengthens Europe’s energy independence.
Replicable model helps accelerate energy transition
Axpo Iberia CEO Ignacio Soneira said, “This agreement is a powerful demonstration of green hydrogen’s industrial viability, measured against strict sustainability and economic criteria. Through initiatives such as this, Axpo is actively contributing to the decarbonisation of hard-to-electrify sectors, offering guarantees of origin and traceability that comply with new European regulations.”
TURN2X CEO Philip Kessler said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with Axpo on this innovative project, which demonstrates how our modular and flexible technology can be deployed much more quickly than traditional mega-plants. As pioneers in e-methane, we are excited to see this market begin to take off, providing a sustainable and easy-to-implement alternative, without the barrier of new investments in transport or for end users.”
Aquila Clean Energy Chief Operating Officer Marc Lohoff emphasised the role of traceability in the new green hydrogen market, “We’re providing this project with the clean energy that is essential for methane to be considered renewable. Our green electricity will be used to generate new low-carbon energy products for the decarbonisation of industry and compliance with the European RED III Renewables Directive.”
Boosting development of green hydrogen in Europe
The agreement comes at a crucial time in the development of the green hydrogen market. According to the Spanish government’s hydrogen roadmap, an installed electrolyser capacity of at least 4 GW is expected to be reached by 2030, with estimated annual consumption of up to 25,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen by the industrial and transportation sectors.
Compliance with European regulations essential for the produced hydrogen to be considered truly renewable. This allows it to be used in industrial processes, heavy transportation and integration into gas networks, as well as giving access to related incentives and community support mechanisms.
Today’s agreement also sets a precedent for other entities wishing to operate in the new hydrogen market. By offering a clear, traceable and viable contractual framework, the financing and scaling of new projects can be made easier from both an economic and regulatory point of view.
