Else Beekman
In the Spanish province of Zamora, a new conflict has emerged regarding the production of green hydrogen. A recently approved water extraction of 3.7 litres per second from the Lagunas de Villafáfila, a protected nature reserve, has triggered a wave of criticism.
According to ecologists, this decision threatens to severely impact the biodiversity of these unique wetlands. Consequently, residents and environmental organisations are sounding the alarm and calling for action.
Zamora’s strategic location for hydrogen
Many companies consider Zamora a strategic location for the production and distribution of green hydrogen. The European hydrogen network H2Med runs through this region and is set to form the foundation for a more sustainable energy supply in the future. However, hydrogen production requires vast amounts of water. A somewhat sensitive issue in a country struggling with increasing drought and water scarcity.
How is green hydrogen produced?
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, a process that splits water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using electricity. This takes place in a device called an electrolyser. The key factor is that the electricity used must come from renewable sources such as solar or wind power. This ensures hydrogen production without CO₂ emissions, unlike ‘grey’ or ‘blue’ hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels.
On average, 9 litres of water are required to produce 1 kilogram of hydrogen via electrolysis. To put this into perspective, a hydrogen-powered car consumes around 1 kilogram of hydrogen per 100 kilometres. A hydrogen plant like the one planned in Zamora can produce up to 640 kilograms of hydrogen per hour, which translates to nearly 5,760 litres of water per hour. Over a day, this amounts to 138,240 litres of water, and over a year, it exceeds 50 million litres.
Lack of transparency in permit approval
The permit for water extraction was granted to UTU SOLAR SL, a company based in Marbella, for the construction of a 5000 m2 hydrogen facility. Opponents argue that the approval process lacked transparency. The information only came to light after a report by the regional party Unión del Pueblo Leonés (UPL). This led to strong reactions from environmental organisations and residents who feel deceived.
A unique ecosystem under threat
The Lagunas de Villafáfila is one of Spain’s most important nature reserves and serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds travelling between Europe and Africa. The area is home to the world’s largest population of the endangered great bustard (Avutarda). Environmental groups warn that the ecosystem is already under pressure from climate change and previous droughts, such as those in 2018 and 2022. Additional water extraction could further weaken the wetlands and disrupt their delicate balance.
Political and public opposition
Resistance to the plan is growing rapidly. More than 7,000 people have signed a petition on Change.org to halt the water extraction. Local politicians, such as Manuel Herrero of the UPL, describe the project as an “exploitation” of natural resources. He added that it lacks any economic benefits for the region. Additionally, he emphasises that if water can be taken from this protected area, there will be little restriction on water extraction elsewhere in Zamora.
Response from authorities
The Confederación Hidrográfica del Duero (CHD), responsible for water management in the region, defends its decision. According to the CHD, the amount of water being extracted represents just 0.1% of the total water mass and has no significant impact. Environmental organisations dispute this claim, pointing to cumulative effects: over twenty years, this could deplete 20% of the water reservoir.
In a press statement, the CHD asserted that the water concession followed a regulated procedure. As there were no objections or opposing reports, the request from the plant’s promoters was approved. Furthermore, it clarified that the public consultation period, which lasted for one month, concluded without any formal complaints. This means, there was ‘no reason’ to deny the request.
Next steps
The matter is now in the hands of the Junta de Castilla y León, which must grant final approval for the water extraction. The regional government has promised to conduct a strict environmental impact assessment. Meanwhile, activists are preparing demonstrations to voice their opposition.
Also read: This forgotten region of Spain will have the world’s first hydrogen plant