Decarbonizing Industry: Experiences in Hydrogen, Energy & Sustainability from Catalonia

Catalonia is strengthening its position as a leading player in Europe’s green industrial transition. Last week, the Port of Tarragona hosted a key session titled "Strategy and Opportunities in the Field of Decarbonization and Hydrogen in Catalonia", organized by Catalonia Trade & Investment in collaboration with the German Chamber of Commerce in Spain and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Barcelona.

The event brought together public institutions and industry leaders to discuss decarbonization strategies and hydrogen technologies, essential pillars for achieving net-zero emissions across Europe.

Public-Private Synergies for a Green Transition

Opening the session, Jordi Ortiz, FDI Director at Catalonia Trade & Investment, reaffirmed Catalonia’s commitment to EU climate goals, noting that “we want to be carbon neutral by 2050 and cut CO₂ emissions by 90% by 2040.” He also highlighted the strategic importance of clean energy for economic growth, stressing that “green energy sources boost competitiveness and help position Catalonia as a key region for industrial development.”

Catalonia is investing heavily in both established renewables—like solar, wind, and hydropower—and emerging sources such as geothermal, biogas, and green hydrogen.

“Catalonia has an industrial DNA, so we are in the right place. Sustainability, decarbonization, will be key to industrialize Catalonia, and we have all the assets industry needs to achieve that success”

Joaquim Daura, Active Energy Management Director at Schneider Electric

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Industry Insights: Schneider Electric and Messer

The session featured two panel discussions with insights from leading companies, including Schneider Electric, TÜV SÜD, Messer Ibérica de Gases, BASF Sonatrach Propanchem, and Rely – Technip Energies Group.

Joaquim Daura, Active Energy Management Director at Schneider Electric, shared the company’s approach to sustainable industrial transformation. He emphasized that “decarbonization and digitization must go hand in hand,” and credited a long-term strategy for Schneider being recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable companies.

Based in Barcelona, Schneider Electric plays a central role in Iberia’s energy management ecosystem, with 4,000 employees across Spain and Portugal.

On the hydrogen front, Rubén Folgado, Vice President for Western Europe at Messer, explained the company’s longstanding role in Tarragona’s chemical cluster. He described hydrogen as “a future energy driver for niche sectors like heavy-duty transport and high-temperature processes.”

Folgado also revealed that Messer, together with Repsol and Enagás, is helping develop “Spain’s largest electrolyzer here in Tarragona,” a major milestone for hydrogen production in the Iberian Peninsula. He added that Messer is collaborating with Toyota Tsusho on “hydrogen mobility solutions for buses and trucks.”

Catalonia’s Industrial DNA

All participants agreed that Catalonia’s strong industrial heritage provides a solid foundation for decarbonization. As Joaquim Daura put it, “We are in the right place—Catalonia has the assets needed to lead in sustainability.”

Moving Forward

The event in Tarragona showcased how public and private stakeholders are working together to accelerate the green transition. With clear goals, major industrial investments, and collaborative momentum, Catalonia is poised to become a European benchmark for sustainable industry.

If your company is looking to launch or scale a sustainability project, Catalonia offers the right ecosystem, partners, and public support to make it happen. Get in touch with Catalonia Trade & Investment to explore how we can support your green business growth.