In a move that underscores the growing global interest in clean energy, King Felipe VI of Spain is set to join King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands next week to review several hydrogen projects in Spain. The royal engagement has been confirmed by both royal houses and puts a spotlight on the role of hydrogen in future energy production.
King Willem-Alexander, accompanied by Rob Jetten, the Dutch Minister for Energy and Climate Policy, and a delegation of businesses and knowledge institutions, will commence his visit in Madrid on Tuesday. The agenda extends to trips to Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia, offering an in-depth exploration of Spain’s progress in hydrogen energy.
According to the Royal House, the visit’s emphasis lies squarely on hydrogen and its potential role in energy production. “Spain is poised to become an important supplier of green hydrogen in Europe,” said the Royal House. It highlighted the potential for export to northwest Europe via Spanish and Dutch ports, indicating a promising international partnership.
Both monarchs will also mark the 375th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and the Netherlands. This commemoration will take place at a luncheon at the Botanical Garden on Tuesday, also addressing the contribution of ‘hydrogen valleys’ to European decarbonization.
On Wednesday, King Felipe VI will accompany King Willem-Alexander to the event, ‘Accelerating the energy transition of Europe. Green hydrogen maritime corridor between southern and northern Europe (Algeciras- Rotterdam)’ in the port city of Cadiz. This engagement signals a significant emphasis on the role of hydrogen in Europe’s energy transition.
King Willem-Alexander has been a vocal advocate of green hydrogen, inaugurating Hystock’s first green hydrogen test plant in 2019, and discussing its importance at the “Wind meets gas” congress in 2021. This commitment extends to visits to TU Delft Polytechnic University, the industrial park “Industriepark Kleefse Waard”, the Port of Rotterdam, and several North Sea projects. His upcoming visit to Spain continues this steadfast interest in hydrogen’s potential for sustainable energy.
