Ponente
Descripción
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Abstract
The Mine-to-H2 project is a large-scale European initiative co-funded by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) under the "Big Ticket" mechanism. It aims to repurpose legacy coal infrastructures for the production and distribution of green hydrogen, contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy and transport sectors while supporting the just transition of coal-dependent regions. The project demonstrates a systemic, multidisciplinary approach to energy transformation, regional revitalization, and social inclusion. The hydrogen production plant will be built at the former Fondón coal mine in Asturias (Spain), with a total project duration of 54 months (April 2024 – September 2028) and a budget of €18 million. -
Introduction
Coal mining regions across Europe are undergoing profound socio-economic and technological transformations driven by climate neutrality targets. The Mine-to-H2 project represents a paradigm shift in this transition by converting an emblematic post-mining site into a hub for green hydrogen production and clean mobility.
Funded through the RFCS Big Ticket scheme, the project aligns with the European Green Deal, the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the Just Transition Mechanism by integrating renewable energy, clean fuel generation, industrial decarbonisation, and workforce reskilling into a unified demonstration. -
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are:
• Deploy a modular, renewable-powered green hydrogen production plant based on electrolysis of mine water.
• Store hydrogen in high-pressure tanks (500 bar) and distribute it via virtual pipeline to regional demand centres.
• Operate a hydrogen-fuelled intercity bus line connecting key Asturian cities (Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés).
• Integrate the system with existing geothermal heating infrastructure at Pozo Fondón.
• Facilitate a Just Transition through training programs targeting former coal workers. -
Technical Approach and Work Packages
The project is structured around seven interlinked Work Packages (WPs).
Work Package 1: Project Coordination and Management
This package ensures efficient coordination across the consortium, maintaining continuous communication among partners and with the European Commission. It includes the organization of technical and administrative meetings, oversight of project milestones and deliverables, preparation of periodic reports, and integration of Just Transition principles. A key deliverable is the Consortium Agreement, safeguarding intellectual property and governance rights. A Steering Committee comprising representatives from all partners will provide strategic oversight. Additionally, this work package includes the design, development, and maintenance of the official project website as a central dissemination platform.
Work Package 2: Planning and Engineering
Structured into three progressive phases, this work package transforms the project's vision into actionable infrastructure. It begins with Preliminary and Executive Design, which translates conceptual ideas into optimized layouts and identifies potential environmental impacts. The Basic Engineering phase develops the technical documentation required to initiate the permitting process. Finally, Detailed Engineering finalizes all technical specifications, ensuring readiness for procurement, construction, and commissioning. DURO FELGUERA, HUNOSA, and NORTEGAS lead this package, leveraging their complementary expertise in engineering and industrial systems.
Work Package 3: Permitting Procedures and Approvals
This package manages all legal and regulatory procedures necessary for the project’s implementation. It includes obtaining the Integrated Environmental Authorization (IEA), which involves preparing environmental impact documentation and engaging stakeholders through public consultation. Subsequent tasks address Administrative Authorizations and Municipal Permits, ensuring full compliance with national and local regulations. A key component is the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), securing renewable electricity supply for the electrolyser, which reflects the project’s commitment to carbon-neutral hydrogen production and alignment with Spain’s sustainability targets.
Work Package 4: Procurement and Construction
This work package encompasses the entire procurement cycle and construction of the hydrogen production facility. It starts with competitive tendering for major equipment and materials, followed by rigorous Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT). The mechanical, electrical, and control systems will be assembled and integrated on-site. Civil engineering works will adapt and reinforce existing infrastructure to host the new plant, while a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation will be built to supplement the green energy input. The execution plan emphasizes sustainability, operational safety, and minimal disruption to the local environment.
Work Package 5: Commissioning and Start-Up
This phase validates the functionality and integration of all systems through a structured approach. It begins with the creation of a Digital Twin, enabling virtual simulations of plant operations, including integration with the district heating network. Cold and hot commissioning phases test the system under inactive and operational conditions, respectively. The start-up process emphasizes performance optimization, safety compliance, and reliability, ensuring that the hydrogen production unit operates efficiently. Collaboration among DURO FELGUERA, HUNOSA, and NORTEGAS ensures knowledge transfer and best practices.
Work Package 6: Supporting Measures
Focusing on cross-cutting strategic dimensions, this package includes technical risk assessments—particularly around hydrogen safety—and benchmarking against similar industrial conversions from coal to hydrogen. A Digital Twin will facilitate scenario testing for failure modes and process optimization. A business case will be developed to demonstrate economic feasibility and replicability. Furthermore, a reskilling strategy will be implemented to train former coal workers for employment in renewable energy, underlining the project’s contribution to regional just transition and human capital development.
Work Package 7: Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation
This package ensures that the project’s outcomes are effectively communicated to stakeholders and the wider public. It includes the development of promotional materials, scientific publications, and participation in industry events. Workshops and online platforms will disseminate knowledge and foster dialogue within the renewable energy and coal transition communities. Exploitation strategies will aim at scaling up project results, fostering innovation uptake, and enhancing the visibility of Mine-to-H2 as a flagship European initiative in green hydrogen production from former mining sites. -
Expected Impacts
The Mine-to-H2 project delivers multiple benefits:
• Technological: Integration of hydrogen production, thermal energy recovery, and mobility in a single post-mining ecosystem.
• Environmental: Reduction of CO₂ emissions through substitution of fossil fuels and valorisation of mine water.
• Socio-economic: Creation of green jobs and re-skilling opportunities for displaced coal workers.
• Replicability: Demonstrates a scalable model adaptable to other post-coal regions in Europe. -
Project Partners:
• GIG-PIB (Poland) (Coordinator)
• Universidad de Oviedo
• HUNOSA
• Duro Felguera
• ALSA
• HYREN
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Conclusions
Mine-to-H2 is a strategic demonstration of the potential of Big Ticket RFCS projects to support Europe's industrial decarbonisation and energy autonomy. By leveraging existing mining infrastructure for innovative energy systems, the project exemplifies the circular and systemic principles of the Green Deal. The multidisciplinary partnership and high TRL approach ensure technical viability, societal acceptance, and strong potential for regional replication and policy alignment. -
References
Mine-to-H2 Project. (s.f.). Mine-to-H2: Hydrogen production from mining areas. Universidad de Oviedo. https://minetoh2project.uniovi.es/
