Spain’s Hydrogen Ambition: Between Reindustrialisation and Export-Led Energy Integration with the EU

The Spanish approach to renewable hydrogen has evolved significantly driven by economic and geopolitical factors. Initially framed as a tool for domestic industrial development during the COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 Spanish Hydrogen Roadmap emphasised creating hydrogen clusters for production and consumption. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the European Commission's call for increased ambition in renewable hydrogen in REPowerEU prompted a strategic shift. Spain now focuses on exports and infrastructure development, balancing the drive for domestic green reindustrialisation with an export-oriented model to integrate the Iberian Peninsula's energy with Europe. Despite concerns about historical obstacles to interconnections, Spain prioritises hydrogen diplomacy with key European allies. Looking ahead, Spain envisions hydrogen as a vector for Euro-Mediterranean energy integration, energy cooperation, and business collaboration in Latin America. The chapter concludes that Spain needs to build a national strategy that aligns the domestic and international dimensions of hydrogen development, sending a coherent message to civil society, the private sector and institutions.