Construction Management and Project Drafting for the Green Hydrogen Distribution Center at STEF

Client: STEF & Plug Power

Location: Sevilla y Córdova, España

Plug Power has started supplying green hydrogen to STEF, the European market leader in the transport and logistics of food products. This project in Madrid is part of a possible expansion to its network of more than 100 sites in Europe.

SOCOTEC has been responsible for the drafting of the project and the construction management of the distribution center at STEF's headquarters in Madrid, Spain. This project marks an important step in STEF's transition towards the use of sustainable technologies, replacing lead-acid forklift batteries with hydrogen fuel cells supplied by Plug Power.

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Silvia Serrano Aulló

Director of Engineering and Energy

"We are seeing tremendous interest in hydrogen solutions in Europe. This partnership, and others coming later this year, validate Plug's strategy to expand into the European market. In Madrid, the hydrogen will be produced on-site using the energy generated by our 2.9 MWp rooftop photovoltaic plant, which will allow us to consume fully green and locally produced hydrogen. We are proud of these projects that combine our care for people and planet!"

Vincent Kirklar, STEF Executive Committee Member

SOCOTEC Energy Consulting Services

SOCOTEC has carried out the drafting of the project, the construction management and the administrative procedures for the legalisation of a 0.48 MW hydrogen station at STEF's logistics plant in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid).

One of the main challenges faced in this project has been the lack of specific regulations for hydrogen (H2) facilities. In view of this situation, the ISO 19880 standard has been applied, in accordance with the recommendations of the European Union. An in-depth risk analysis has made it possible to establish isorisk curves and propose mitigation measures, thus ensuring safety for both operators and the installation itself.

Cutting-edge technology in Hydrogen Consulting

The technology used in this installation, developed by Plug Power, is divided into three different areas:

Through the process of electrolysis, water is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical energy. The resulting hydrogen is stored at low pressure in a tank (40 bar).

Hydrogen is compressed up to 700 bar and stored in high-pressure bottles until it is needed in the dispensers.

When hydrogen is required, it is compressed to 350-450 bar, passing through the outlet manifold and vent before reaching the dispenser.

The system includes a chiller for cooling and a permanent remote control system that optimizes the operation of the process, prioritizing hydrogen production during the hours of maximum photovoltaic generation.

Hydrogen, the energy vector in the logistics sector

Hydrogen-powered forklifts recharge in just 3-5 minutes, compared to the 8 hours needed for electric forklifts. This is ideal for intensive operations such as STEF. In addition, hydrogen fuel cells do not contain heavy metals, which significantly reduces the environmental impact. Thanks to the self-consumption photovoltaic plant at STEF, green hydrogen is produced for a large part of the day, contributing to considerable environmental savings.

We are experts in Green Hydrogen

SOCOTEC has extensive experience in the green hydrogen sector, as evidenced by one of our previous projects, such as the one carried out in 2023 in which we carried out the procedures for the legalisation of the Exolum hydrogen station, intended for the supply of green hydrogen for buses in the city of Alza.

This project, together with the recent collaboration with STEF, positions SOCOTEC as a benchmark in consulting and project management of green hydrogen, a key sector for the energy transition in Europe.