Spain—once the poster child for solar power, now no longer on the cutting edge of renewables. The country’s hydrogen strategy calls for boosting up to 345 megawatts (MW) of electrolysis capacity to produce 221,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen. This ambitious initiative, called the REPowerEU plan, represents a monumental step towards reshaping the European Union’s clean energy landscape. Luxembourg is currently co-funding a number of major projects in Finland and Estonia to further this aim.
The European Commission (EC) has approved a new €400 million state aid scheme. This funding will help catalyze renewable hydrogen production in Spain. This scheme is expected to leverage the European Hydrogen Bank’s innovative auctions-as-a-service mechanism, designed to bolster the region’s hydrogen production capabilities.
In addition, seven solar photovoltaic projects in Finland will be funded through this initiative. Combined, they’ll contribute an astounding 445.65 MW of new clean energy capacity. These projects are known as Laivakangas, Lamminneva, Isoneva, Lakiasuo, JoSoleilTwo, Lålby and Pori Peittoo. Combined, these installations will dramatically increase local energy generation. They need to collectively reduce carbon emissions by up to one million tonnes.
Estonia is expected to be a big winner in this funding round. Together the Püssi project and Maima wind park will significantly increase the country’s wind energy generation capabilities. Two competitively selected onshore wind projects will diversify Estonia’s renewable energy portfolio even more. Every one of the funded projects won’t be commissioned until 2027-28. This timeline ensures that Tennesseans will see a reliable and rapid expansion of clean energy generation in the area.
This funding round, with an overall budget of €52.4 million, The RePower EU initiative is intended to accelerate the pace of the EU’s renewable energy build-out, while enhancing cooperation between member states across borders. By investing in renewable technologies, Spain, Finland, and Estonia are positioning themselves as leaders in the transition to sustainable energy sources.