The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) has strengthened the Canary Islands’ position as a national test bank for renewable hydrogen by presenting the progress of the H2VERDE project at the closing event of Spain’s Complementary Plan for Energy and Renewable Hydrogen, held at the National Hydrogen Centre (CNH2). H2VERDE is the only demonstrator in Spain that, in a real offshore environment, integrates the production, storage and use of green hydrogen to accelerate the decarbonisation of isolated energy systems, such as those on islands.
A delegation from PLOCAN took part this week in the closing event in Puertollano. The event showcased the main results achieved by the participating autonomous regions. PLOCAN’s presence at this meeting highlighted the strategic role of the H2VERDE project as Spain’s only offshore demonstrator for the production and use of renewable hydrogen.
Within the framework of the H2VERDE project, PLOCAN has achieved significant progress in the development of technological solutions aimed at the decarbonisation of isolated energy systems, such as island grids. Key milestones include the characterisation of the offshore wind resource using time series spanning more than three years; the sizing and parameterisation of an offshore green hydrogen production plant designed to integrate offshore wind prototypes; and the development of a digital twin capable of simulating and predicting plant behaviour under different renewable generation scenarios.
The project has also enabled the implementation of key demonstrators at PLOCAN’s offshore platform, including the re-electrification of hydrogen through a fuel cell system capable of meeting the platform’s energy demand in the absence of renewable generation; a hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift that reduces the use of fossil fuels in logistical operations; and a hydrogen refuelling station for this type of vehicles. These solutions reinforce the concept of hydrogen sector coupling in real operational environments.
In parallel, the project has delivered a feasibility study for the conversion of PLOCAN’s autonomous vehicles to fuel cell technologies, as well as a cost sensitivity analysis associated with the deployment of offshore renewable hydrogen production plants linked to offshore wind farms. These studies provide a solid basis for technical and economic decision-making in future commercial developments.
Beyond its technological dimension, H2VERDE has had a strong impact on knowledge transfer and capacity building. Five training programmes, certified by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), have been launched, resulting in the issuance of more than 120 certificates to sector professionals and contributing to the development of local skills in a key area for the energy transition.
For the Canary Islands, the project’s results are of strategic relevance. The archipelago currently imports nearly 90% of its energy resources, mainly derived from fossil fuels. In this context, renewable hydrogen represents a tangible opportunity to advance towards energy sovereignty (Power-to-X), enabling the production of clean fuels from locally available renewable resources. Moreover, the combination of offshore hydrogen production, battery-based electrical storage, compressed hydrogen storage, and electricity generation through fuel cells (Power-to-Grid) is emerging as a key solution for the future integration of offshore wind farms into island power systems.
Thanks to H2VERDE, the Canary Islands now benefit from a unique scientific and technical infrastructure, integrated into PLOCAN’s smart grid, enabling realistic studies of the interaction between offshore renewable generation, electrolysis, storage, and intelligent energy management. This is complemented by the development of a digital twin for isolated energy systems and enhanced capabilities in technology transfer, training, and operation of decarbonisation-oriented infrastructures.
With these achievements, PLOCAN and the H2VERDE project are consolidating their position as a living laboratory for the study of the energy transition in isolated systems, positioning the Canary Islands as a national and international benchmark in offshore renewable hydrogen and related technologies.
Energía e Hidrógeno Renovable, H2VERDE, is funded through a direct grant from the Government of the Canary Islands to PLOCAN, under Investment 1 of Component 17 of the Spanish Government’s Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia (PRTR), financed with Next Generation EU funds, through the Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia (MRR).
