Tabernas, a region in Spain, is poised to become a hub of sustainable energy transformation through the ambitious Nascar project led by Innde Cetaer, a local company with 100% Almerian capital.
The project aims to construct an e-methanol (Carbonerol©) production plant using green hydrogen technology by the fourth quarter of 2026, positioning the region at the forefront of the decarbonization revolution.
E-methanol, a chemical compound recognized as a highly efficient alternative to fossil fuels in sectors like maritime transport, will be manufactured through a renewable and emission-free process. To achieve this, the future facility will employ photovoltaic solar energy in an electrolysis process, which requires a continuous supply of water.
Addressing the water scarcity concerns of the region, the Nascar project ensures a zero-liter consumption of aquifer reserves, leaving no impact on local resources. Innde Cetaer’s commitment to the environment extends beyond e-methanol production, as the initiative incorporates Aquaer Generators’ cutting-edge technology to generate a minimum of 45,000 cubic meters of drinking water annually.
The Nascar project’s infrastructure will be equipped with high-performance condensation systems powered by atmospheric capture machinery. Aquaer Generators employ air humidity to obtain water, making them suitable for operation even in arid climates like Tabernas, located in the vicinity of the Plataforma Solar de Almería.
Ten Aquaer generators will be installed, producing an average of over 123 cubic meters of water per day, with a minimum forecast of 12,300 liters per day even in unfavorable weather conditions.
The inclusion of Aquaer Generators technology in the Nascar project comes as a result of an initial agreement with Técnicas Reunidas, a global leader in engineering and construction within the energy sector.
Recognizing the significance of the project, the Nascar initiative secured a substantial subsidy of 15 million euros from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving as part of the Plan Pioneros H2 incentive program. This funding supports the development of innovative green hydrogen production initiatives.
Innde Cetaer’s focus on large-scale electrolysis showcases their commitment to testing the viability of renewable hydrogen production. With an annual production capacity of 7,200 tons of green hydrogen, the company plans to offer a unique formula for e-methanol production, estimated to reach 36,500 tons annually. This eco-friendly fuel is in high demand globally, serving as a key energy vector in the decarbonization of the transportation sector.
The use of pure raw materials, hydrogen, and CO2, ensures the superior quality of e-methanol, which surpasses that of fossil fuels. The Nascar project represents a significant stride towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Environmental benefits abound within the Nascar project, including a zero pollution index, savings of 12,969 ktoe (kilotons of oil equivalent) annually, and a reduction of 21,900 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Innde Cetaer’s collaboration with local industries allows the capture of emissions, while simultaneously releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
The project prioritizes renewable energy generation during the electrolysis process and harnesses relative humidity in the air to obtain water, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
Beyond its undeniable environmental advantages, the Nascar project also holds economic and social significance for the region. It is anticipated to create 52 direct and 150 indirect jobs, promoting gender equality in employment. During the construction phase, which commences in early 2024, the project will generate between 300 and 400 jobs.
The Nascar project in Tabernas represents a pioneering initiative that aligns environmental consciousness, circular economy principles, and substantial economic and social benefits. Through the production of e-methanol using green hydrogen, the project marks a significant milestone in Spain’s journey towards a more sustainable and decarbonized future.
