The project, named Orange.bat, includes two main branches originating from the El Colomer industrial park in Onda, where the Swiss multinational Smartenergy plans to locate its production plant. After obtaining the Integrated Environmental Authorization (AAI) last year, it is now processing the administrative permit with the Generalitat to begin construction.
Recently, the Official Gazette of the Valencian Government published the application for administrative authorization and approval of the execution project for this new green hydrogen distribution network. This document will be open for public review and submission of allegations for 20 days.
The first branch will run along the CV-191 to the vicinity of the Saera-Farons industrial park, and will include specific derivations to companies such as SmaltiCeram, Peris y Cía, Azulev, Argenta Cerámica, and El Barco. These connections will ensure the availability of green hydrogen access for their production processes.
The second branch will connect with the industrial area of the CV-20, featuring derivations to firms like Argenta Cerámica, Cerpa, Dual Gres, and Euroarce Samca. This route will extend to Vila-real to reach the vicinity of Todagres, and will also include a link to the municipality of Betxí to offer green hydrogen supply to companies such as Exagres. Additionally, other companies like Halcón Cerámicas, Atomix, Vidres, and Azulejos Benadresa will have direct connections to the network.
Of the total 28.7 kilometers of infrastructure, 22.3 kilometers will be located in Onda, 3.4 kilometers in Betxí, and 3 kilometers in Vila-real. The timeline projected by Redexis places the start of construction next year, with completion targeted for 2028. The estimated investment amounts to 3,228,276 euros.
In parallel, Smartenergy will construct the production plant on Melilla Street in Onda, on a plot of 11,949 square meters. The facility will feature a 100-megawatt electrolyzer, capable of producing over 16,400 tons of green hydrogen annually. The complex will include a 3,422-meter process building, as well as another for mechanical and control functions spanning 1,637 square meters.
The hydrogen will be generated from renewable energies through polymeric water electrolysis, achieving a purity of 99.6%. Subsequently, it will be stored in two tanks and distributed to industrial companies via the pipeline network. To ensure the necessary water supply, the Onda City Council has requested the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ) to expand its water concession to cover the additional demand of 252,000 cubic meters annually required by the plant.
