The Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH2) is the voice of the hydrogen industry in Spain. Representing more than 300 partners from across the hydrogen value chain, AeH2 is positioned as a reference agent within the hydrogen sector since its foundation in 2002. It works to encourage, promote and drive the technological and industrial development of hydrogen technologies in Spain, to ensure their positive impact on the Spanish society and economy.
The Spanish Hydrogen Association’s mission is to promote and drive the development and growth of hydrogen technologies in Spain. What is your strategy for the next five years, and what are the key factors for growing hydrogen technologies?
Javier Brey Sánchez: After more than two decades since our founding, the strategy of the Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH2) for the coming years is to continue driving the development of hydrogen technologies in the national business sector.
We are committed to achieving this through collaboration with public institutions, our members, and stakeholders in the hydrogen industry. To achieve our goals, we will continue to promote research and innovation, closely collaborate with public institutions to advance a solid regulatory framework, and support the sector in meeting the objectives established in the Hydrogen Roadmap in Spain.
To consolidate renewable hydrogen and enable the growth of these technologies, it is crucial to create synergies between both public and private actors, develop adequate infrastructure, and create a favorable environment for investment and demand for renewable hydrogen.
AEH2 collaborates with different international organizations in Latin America and Europe. What are the opportunities for collaboration with AEH2 for companies from the GCC?
Javier Brey Sánchez: The international bilateral agreements we have signed at AeH2 have been fundamental for the development of the sector both nationally and internationally, and we continue to prioritize them. We have a clear vision that this shift in the energy paradigm cannot be achieved by a single country or region, but must be driven by collaboration between several; we see this as a clear opportunity for international cooperation. In this sense, potential collaboration agreements with companies from the GCC represent a great opportunity, both for AeH2 and for companies in this strategic region within the industry.
These agreements can bring significant benefits to the GCC companies, including access to Spain’s vast and established experience in hydrogen technologies and renewable energies, as well as the opportunity to share best practices.
AeH2 already has a strong international collaboration network, with more than twenty bilateral cooperation agreements signed. Including new countries and entities in this network will allow us to boost academic, research, industrial, and business areas, as well as develop joint projects or financing schemes.
Spanish technology related to renewable energy has gained international recognition. To what do you attribute this success, and what types of technologies are the greatest strengths of Spanish companies?
Javier Brey Sánchez: Spain is in a strategic position to become a global leader in the production and development of renewable hydrogen, thanks to our competitive advantages, such as our potential in renewable energies.
To give a concrete example, last year, more than 50% of total electricity production in Spain came from renewable sources, which demonstrates our ability to effectively combine solar and wind energy and integrate them into the energy supply. Spanish companies, thanks to their innovation and ability to adapt to the global energy market, have been able to take advantage of the country’s geographic advantage, being located in the sunniest region of the European Union and having some of the best wind resources in the area. This positions them with a clear advantage over other countries.
Regarding hydrogen, the first renewable hydrogen plant was inaugurated in Spain in 1992, giving us decades of experience in this sector and reassuring the audience about our expertise.
The development of the hydrogen sector is one of the global priorities. What is your advice for SMEs trying to enter this market?
Javier Brey Sánchez: For SMEs looking to enter the hydrogen market, the key advice is to focus on innovation and collaboration. It is essential to identify specific niches where they can offer innovative solutions, whether in the production, storage, transportation, or use of hydrogen. They should take advantage of available funding opportunities and participate in collaborative projects that allow them to scale their operations and access new markets. It is crucial to stay up to date with regulatory developments and adapt quickly to maximize emerging opportunities in the sector.
The GCC is making significant technological advances, including its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. How can the use of technology and artificial intelligence influence the achievement of this goal?
Javier Brey Sánchez: The integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can play a crucial role in achieving the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 in GCC countries. AI can optimize hydrogen production and distribution processes, improving efficiency and reducing costs. It also facilitates the monitoring and management of energy infrastructure, enabling a faster and more accurate response to energy demands. This will not only accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a key energy vector but will also significantly contribute to the decarbonization of the economy.
The world’s eyes are on the Persian Gulf, and major international companies are opening their headquarters there, including firms from Europe and countries such as Germany, Italy, England, Denmark, and the Netherlands. What is the importance of increasing the visibility of Spanish technologies in the Middle East to strengthen bilateral relations and business?
Javier Brey Sánchez: Increasing the visibility of Spanish technologies in the Middle East is an essential step to strengthening bilateral relations and opening new business opportunities in both regions. Given the growing investment in renewable energies in the region, Spanish technologies can play a key role in hydrogen-related projects. Increasing presence and visibility at international events, trade fairs, and regional collaboration forums will allow the hydrogen sector in Spain to consolidate itself as a technological leader and forge strategic alliances that benefit both regions. We are convinced of the opportunity.
