Asturias is about to see one of its most emblematic mining symbols completely transformed. The legendary Pozo Fondón mine, located in the heart of Langreo, has already received the final approval from local authorities for its urban redevelopment. We're not talking about a simple facelift, but a profound transformation of more than 22.000 square meters that will leave coal behind to embrace the energies of the future and sustainability.
The truth is that this administrative move is vital for the state-owned company Hunosa to be able to launch its ambitious green hydrogen plantThe project, named 'Mine-to-H2', not only seeks to generate clean fuel, but also aims to demonstrate that it is possible to harness the resources of the old mines, like well water, to boost a much more environmentally friendly economy throughout the central area of ​​the region.
Strategic alliance and European funding for the project
To carry out an initiative of this magnitude, Hunosa is not alone on this journey. It has surrounded itself with a powerful team that includes companies Companies like Duro Felguera, Hyren, and ALSA are involved, along with academic support from the University of Oviedo and international experts from Poland. The investment is substantial, estimated at around €18 million. Half of that amount will come directly from Europe through specific funds for coal and steel research.
However, time is running out for the developers. Since much of the funding depends on Brussels, the administrative deadlines must be met precisely to avoid losing a single cent of the grant. If everything goes according to plan and no last-minute problems arise, the plant should be operational. fully operational during the second half of 2027This would represent a milestone for the region, placing Langreo in a privileged position within the Spanish and European energy map.
Cutting-edge technology and resource utilization
Getting into a bit more technical details, the plant will start with an initial capacity of 2,5 megawatts, although the design is modular so that it can easily double your capacity up to 5 MW if demand grows. The most curious thing of all is that the hydrogen will be obtained through electrolysis using the water discharged from the old Nalona mine entrance. To make the process truly clean, the electricity will come from a production of green hydrogen with solar energy, installing photovoltaic panels on the grounds of another now-closed mining pit.
But it doesn't stop there. The project is a textbook example of what we call a circular economy. The excess heat generated during hydrogen production will not be wasted, but will be injected directly into the... geothermal and biomass heating network which is already operational at the Fondón Mine. This community heating system has already received international recognition from the International Energy Agency, which speaks volumes about the level of innovation being implemented at these facilities in Asturias.
A key boost for local transport and industry
One of the biggest beneficiaries of this rollout will be public road transport. The agreement includes the implementation of a couple of models of ALSA intercity bus Powered by this green fuel, one using a fuel cell and the other direct combustion, it's a very practical way to see this technology becoming a reality. Furthermore, several local industries have already begun inquiring about this supply to replace the gray hydrogen they currently use with one that drastically reduces their carbon footprint.
It is important to highlight that the Fondón Mine is no longer just a relic of the past; it now houses the Mining Rescue Brigade and the company's Historical Archive, creating a space where tradition and innovation coexist. With the arrival of this new facility, a cycle is completed, demonstrating that mining regions have Much to say about the energy transition national, leveraging its historical infrastructure to lead the decarbonization of the economy without losing an iota of its industrial identity.