Glowny Instytut Gornictwa (GIG‑PIB)

The District Heating Pozo Fondón is an existing network that supplies heat generated from geothermal energy (mine water) and biomass to surrounding buildings, already operating on the former mine site and recently recognized by the International Energy Agency with a Global District Energy Climate Award.[1] The Mine‑to‑H2 project plans to integrate the waste heat from electrolysis into this district heating system, maximizing energy efficiency and reinforcing the site’s role as a multi‑energy hub.[1]

As part of Mine‑to‑H2, ALSA plans to introduce two new interurban bus models that use green hydrogen produced at Pozo Fondón: one equipped with a fuel cell powertrain and the other using hydrogen in direct combustion engines.[1] These buses will operate on routes in the central Asturian area to demonstrate the decarbonization of regional road transport using locally produced renewable hydrogen.[1][7]

The core technology at Pozo Fondón is green hydrogen production through water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, using water pumped or discharged from the former coal mine workings (La Nalona bocamina). This approach turns a legacy environmental liability—mine water drainage—into feedstock for hydrogen production, aligning with circular economy principles and just transition goals.[1] The plant is designed for 2.5 MW of electrolysis capacity, expandable to 5 MW, and aims to supply hydrogen to industrial users and mobility applications in central Asturias.[1]

Langreo, Principality of Asturias