The German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex presented a prototype of a 500 kW electrolyzer in Spain on June 17. This unit, developed in Navarra, is part of a joint project with the provincial government and aims to strengthen Nordex's position in the electrolyzer market. The prototype can produce 10 kilograms of hydrogen per hour.
According to the official press release from the Nordex Group, the prototype unveiled yesterday was developed, manufactured, and assembled in Navarra, Spain. The company, one of the world's largest wind turbine manufacturers, states that the electrolyzer can produce more than 10 kilograms of hydrogen per hour while consuming less than 50 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen.
The most notable feature of the unit is its design to handle load fluctuations and frequent stops, making it particularly suitable for converting variable renewable energies into green hydrogen. Luis Solla, CEO of Nordex Electrolyzers, explained that his company could manufacture the electrolyzer on a megawatt scale by 2026. Serial production is also conceivable by that time.
The company currently employs 26 people. The regional company SODENA (Sociedad de Desarrollo de Navarra) holds a 15% stake in the joint venture. The European Commission supported the development of the electrolyzer with 12 million euros under the IPCEI-Hy2Tech program.
From Wind Turbines to Electrolyzers
Founded in 2022, Nordex Electrolyzers presented the prototype at a new production facility in Lumbier, near Pamplona. This facility is located at an older site of the Nordex Group, where the Hamburg-based company manufactures rotor blades for wind turbines. Nearby, the Norwegian aluminum producer Hydro operates a plant where green hydrogen was tested about a year ago.
The predecessor prototype with 50 kW has been in operation since 2023 and is currently in the testing and validation phase at Nordex Electrolyzers in Puertollano (Ciudad Real). There, the model shows "promising efficiency and flexibility results when using electricity from renewable sources."
The President of Navarra, María Chivite, described the prototype as an "industrial milestone […] for Navarra and for Spain." She said the hydrogen plant aligns with the "strategic priorities of the Government of Navarra." The northern Spanish region aims to expand its "leadership role" in this field in collaboration with companies. In this context, the Minister of Industry of Navarra, Mikel Irujo, stated that the new joint venture demonstrates "how public-private engagement, hand in hand with an industrial partner […] can ensure the implementation of strategic and forward-looking projects for Navarra."
