The rational use of energy and the search for new energy sources is a growing concern for both administrations and citizens, which is why initiatives of this type on energy saving and efficiency or renewable energies are so necessary.

This new line of support launched by the Regional Ministry of Economy, Industry and Innovation in response to this priority objective will cover up to 65% of the eligible cost of the projects, depending on the size of the company, with maximum aid of 2.5 million euros in the case of hydrogen initiatives and 2 million euros in the case of biogas and biomethane production. The projects must allocate part of the renewable gas to energy self-consumption and will obtain an additional scale in the case of establishing themselves as Concellos Emprendedores (Entrepreneurial Municipalities). Companies and self-employed people who want to carry out projects consisting of the production of hydrogen from renewable sources or biogas and biomethane for use in demand centres located in Galicia may submit their application through the standard form accessible from the electronic headquarters of the Xunta de Galicia and on the Inega website. 

This initiative marks a milestone in Galicia, being the first time that a specific call has been established for this type of energy projects, with a marked innovative character and considerable potential yet to be explored. The call, framed within the Galician Climate Change and Energy Strategy 2050, seeks to encourage the transformation of activity in Galicia towards a low-carbon economy that increases its competitiveness in a global market, in line with the forecast of the Galician Energy Agenda that by 2030 20% of gas consumption in the Community will be of renewable origin with the aim of contributing to the circular economy and energy self-sufficiency in the industrial sectors. 

What kind of projects does the call for proposals support?

In the field of renewable hydrogen, support will be given specifically to everything related to the electrolyser, compressor, storage systems, piping, tanks, auxiliary and control systems, adaptation or purchase of hydrogen consuming equipment, fuel cells (provided that the electricity generated is for self-consumption), systems for injecting renewable hydrogen into the gas network (in the event of a contract for sale to a consumer located in Galicia), assembly and start-up of the systems, associated civil works, technical projects and legalisation.

With regard to biogas and biomethane, the aid includes systems for obtaining biogas by anaerobic digestion; systems for storing and treating biogas to obtain biomethane; waste pre-treatment systems; compression systems for transport and storage; supply systems; recovery installations for the production of electricity or heat; systems for injection into the gas network - if there is a sales contract with a consumer located in Galicia; equipment using biogas and biomethane as fuel; auxiliary and control systems; associated civil works; installation and commissioning; technical and legalisation project.

When and how can they be applied for?

The deadline for the call for applications, which is competitive, is open until 21 February. Applications must be signed directly by the interested parties or by a person who accredits their representation by any legally valid means and must be submitted electronically using the standardised form accessible from the electronic headquarters of the Xunta de Galicia and on the Inega website.