Spain launches first-ever gas production without fossil fuels. The first facility in Europe to produce synthetic methane from hydrogen and biogenic CO2 has started operating in Miajadas, a small town in Extremadura. Supported by the European Commission, the project could change the region's approach to energy independence.
In Miajadas, in southwestern Spain, a unique facility for Europe has started operations: this is the first industrial-scale production of gas completely independent of fossil fuels. The T2X project, implemented by Turn2X, received support from the European Commission and became one of the winners of the third subsidy program of the European Hydrogen Bank.
The technology is based on the Power to Gas (P2G) principle: the facility uses hydrogen produced exclusively from renewable sources and biogenic carbon dioxide supplied by a neighboring bioethanol plant. As a result of the Sabatier chemical reaction, high-purity methane is produced, which can be fed directly into the existing gas network. This eliminates the need to build new infrastructure and allows the immediate integration of 'green' gas into industry and energy sectors.
Technology and objectives
The main objective of the project is to reduce dependence on traditional gas and accelerate the decarbonization of sectors where full electrification is not yet possible. This refers to metallurgy, ceramics, transport, and shipping—sectors where alternatives to gas are hard to find. Thanks to this new approach, the region has a chance to become one of the centers of Europe’s energy transformation.
Support and prospects
The T2X project is being implemented by TURN2X Asset Co II EXTREMADURA SL. The electrolyzer will have a capacity of 9 megawatts, and around 6,390 tons of renewable hydrogen are planned to be produced in the first ten years. After grant agreements are signed, which is expected by the end of 2026, the project will receive a fixed European premium—€0.62 for every certified kilogram of hydrogen over ten years. Up to five years are allotted to launch commercial operations.
A key part of the scheme is the contract with Axpo Iberia: the company will supply exclusively "green" electricity produced by Aquila Clean Energy. This ensures the whole process stays within the framework of sustainable development.
Why Extremadura
The choice of region is no coincidence: Extremadura enjoys a high number of sunny days and is strategically located along the route of the future European hydrogen corridor. Turn2X is already considering expanding production and has submitted documents for an environmental review of a second facility. Local energy companies, such as Eficae, are also active in the region—they have attracted more than €2 billion in energy investments in recent years.
According to Talent24h, the launch of the facility in Miajadas not only strengthens Spain’s position in the European energy market, but also demonstrates that the transition to renewable energy is becoming a reality even for small towns.
