The energy transition is in full swing in Europe, and one of the most promising solutions for this change is renewable hydrogen. In this context, CelZa was born, a strategic project whose aim is to build a green hydrogen interconnector between Spain and Portugal, led on the Spanish side by Enagás and on the Portuguese side by its Portuguese counterpart REN.
But what exactly is CelZa? Why is it so important? How will it contribute to the European energy transition? In this article we explain it step by step.
CelZa – so called because it will connect the towns of Celorico da Beira and Zamora – is a key project within H2med, the European Union’s first renewable hydrogen corridor. Its purpose is to build a transport infrastructure that connects green hydrogen production in Portugal with that in Spain, allowing for a continuous flow of clean energy to the rest of Europe.
The project consists of an overland hydro-duct of approximately 270 kilometres, 86 of which will run through Spain, connecting the Portuguese town of Celorico da Beira with Coreses, in the province of Zamora. Through this pipeline, designed exclusively for transporting hydrogen, up to 0.75 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year can be moved between the two countries. In addition, the CelZa project envisages a 30 MW compressor station in Coreses (Zamora), which will be the connection point between the internal infrastructures of each country.
This hydrogen will be produced in Portugal by electrolysis of water using 100% renewable electricity (solar, wind or other clean sources), making it green hydrogen – i.e. totally clean energy.
CelZa is not an isolated project. It is part of the H2med corridor, which will connect the Iberian Peninsula with north-west Europe, linking hydrogen infrastructures in Spain, Portugal, France and Germany. It aims to supply up to 2 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year from the early 2030s, which would be equivalent to approximately 10% of the projected EU-wide demand for hydrogen in 2030.
H2med, together with HY-FEN, form the Southwestern Hydrogen Corridor, recognised by the European Commission as one of the “Energy Highways”. It is an initiative launched by Ursula von der Leyen to improve and accelerate interconnections and key energy infrastructure across the EU.
CelZa is an overland hydro-product of approximately 270 km that will connect the Portuguese town of Celorico da Beira with Coreses, in Zamora
H2med includes another major project known as BarMar, an underwater hydrogen link between Barcelona (Spain) and Marseilles (France), which will connect southern Europe with northern consumption centres. By integrating with CelZa and other inland infrastructure in each country, an unprecedented transnational clean energy network is being woven.
On the Spanish side, Enagás – as HTNO, the interim manager of the hydrogen network – has been appointed as responsible for the Spanish section of the project. Its role ranges from the initial engineering phases through to planning, public participation and commissioning
In Portugal, the company REN (Redes Energéticas Nacionais) is in charge of the Portuguese part of the interconnector, including coordination with the Portuguese national hydrogen transport network that connects production and consumption centres within the country and links with CelZa.
This project is also included in the EU’s list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs), which facilitates access to EU funding and speeds up administrative permits, essential for infrastructures of this scale.
CelZa has already gone through several initial stages and has an ambitious timetable:
Beyond its importance in terms of energy, CelZa represents a driver of development for the regions through which the hydrogen will pass. It will have a positive economic impact in Spain, and specifically in the province of Zamora, and in Portugal, boosting its growth and competitiveness. In addition, it will contribute to industrial and technological development by creating a hydrogen industry and an innovative business fabric.
It is a symbol of the commitment of Spain, Portugal and the European Union to a sustainable energy future
CelZa is a symbol of the commitment of Spain, Portugal and the European Union to a sustainable energy future. It combines physical infrastructure, technological development, socio-economic impact and environmental friendliness, all geared towards the same goal: accelerating the energy transition and placing Europe at the forefront of the hydrogen economy.
This interconnector – together with other projects in the H2med corridor – has the potential to make a major contribution to the future shape of the European energy market.
