Renewables
Bayer tests salt-based thermal storage for steam in Spain
German pharmaceutical company Bayer is testing a salt-based thermal energy storage system to generate renewable steam at its plant in Asturias, Spain.
Key points
- Bayer is testing renewable steam generation at its acetylsalicylic acid plant in La Felguera, Spain.
- The project developed by Iberdrola España integrates a 15 MW power purchase agreement, solar power, and salt storage.
- The trial phase is scheduled to conclude by the end of the year to achieve continuous operation.
What happened
According to pv magazine, German pharmaceutical company Bayer has commenced testing a system that utilizes renewable electricity to generate steam at its manufacturing facility in La Felguera, Langreo, located in Spain's Asturias region. The plant produces acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient in Aspirin, with the project designed to eliminate fossil fuel dependence in the steam generation process.
Developed by Iberdrola España, the installation features a 15 MW renewable power purchase agreement alongside a 2.5 MW self-consumption solar setup and thermal energy storage utilizing salt. The configuration aims to decouple electricity generation from industrial heat demand to maintain a continuous steam supply, targeting 100% renewable coverage for the production process. Testing began with initial steam deliveries, and continuous operation is expected by the end of the year following the conclusion of trial runs.
The initiative operates under a long-term heat purchase agreement. Engineering technology from Spanish firm Inerco was deployed to integrate the thermal storage component. Iberdrola reported that total investment exceeds €18 million, involving over 60 professionals during the initial implementation phase.
Public backing for the project was provided by Spain's Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving and the Institute for Just Transition, alongside regional authorities in Asturias and the Langreo City Council. The European Union's Innovation Fund also supported the undertaking.
Why it matters
Industrial heat represents a significant portion of global energy consumption and process emissions, particularly in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing where reliable steam supplies are essential. Projects demonstrating the decoupling of intermittent renewable generation from continuous industrial heat demand offer valuable insights for heavy energy users seeking to decarbonise thermal processes. For energy investors and policymakers examining industrial decarbonisation pathways, the integration of thermal storage with corporate power purchase agreements highlights emerging technical solutions for sectors that cannot rely solely on direct electrification.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
47.0% of electricity in Spain was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
