Bayer Achieves Total Decarbonisation Through Electrification
Bayer is marking a major milestone as Iberdrola ratifies the full decarbonisation of its Asturias site in Spain.
The La Felguera facility, which produces all of Bayer’s acetylsalicylic acid, will be the first in its sector in Spain to fully decarbonise and among the first globally.
This deal marks Spain’s first heat purchase agreement of its kind, incorporating an innovative molten salt thermal storage system developed and patented by Inerco.
Backed by a €17m (US$18.6m) investment and funding from the Ministry of Industry under the ‘PERTE for industrial decarbonisation’ scheme, the project is set for completion in June 2026.
A critical project
The project is a cornerstone of Bayer and Iberdrola’s alliance to help transform the industrial model of the Asturian basin.
Among the largest of its kind globally, it will deliver 15MW of renewable energy.
Iberdrola will install a cutting-edge thermal storage system, designed by Spanish firm Inerco, next to Bayer’s facility.
It will convert 100% renewable electricity from a nearby self-consumption plant and other green sources into the steam required for Bayer’s operations.
Decarbonisation technology
The technology will enable Bayer to decarbonise its plant while shielding its operations from fossil fuel price volatility.
It is also expected to cut CO2 emissions and pollution, boost the use of local renewable energy and support the national trade balance.
A joint press release says: “The project makes it possible to take advantage of Spain's renewable generation potential and increase industrial competitiveness.”
Mario Ruiz-Tagle, CEO of Iberdrola Spain, says: "This is the first major steam electrification project in Spain and one of the largest in the world, which represents the great commitment of Bayer and Iberdrola to Asturias.
“It uses thermal storage technology, available technology that allows up to 50% of the heat consumed by industry in Spain to be decarbonised.
“Iberdrola and Bayer are pioneers with this project, which will be the first of many in Spain and in the world."
The promise of constant progress
Pedro Marín, Executive Chairman of Inerco, says: "The trust of Iberdrola and Bayer in Inerco, for the design and implementation of our technology in this important project, is a great satisfaction and an important recognition, which will surely lead us to replicate systems of these characteristics in many industrial facilities in the future."
Jorge Julián Álvarez, director of Bayer's Asturian centre, says: "The agreement we are now announcing is a success not only for our centre, but also for the production and industrial model of the area, which, thanks to innovation, is reinforced to continue developing in the future in a more sustainable way.
“Our continued commitment to investment and the development of alliances for the search for innovative solutions is the key that has allowed us to grow and that consolidates our commitment to Asturias and constant progress."
100% thermal energy & renewable electrical energy
Bayer’s La Felguera site began operations in the mining basin, originally using coal mining waste to fuel industrial activity in the region.
Its collaboration with Iberdrola has played a key role in driving decarbonisation forward.
In 2020, the two firms signed a long-term agreement to supply 100% renewable electricity to all Bayer sites in Spain.
The latest project will create over 30 jobs during construction and commissioning.
The heat facility may also supply renewable heat to the planned Asturian Public Health laundry, set for the former Lada thermal power plant site.
Inside the thermal storage system
Thermal storage systems convert renewable electricity into the heat industry needs, while also storing energy for use when required.
This lets factories draw power during peak renewable generation, rather than adjusting to daylight hours, offering more flexibility and cost savings.
The system also supports wider renewable deployment and reduces excess energy discharge into the grid.
Industries using low- to medium-temperature heat represent half of industrial fossil fuel demand.
Upcoming high-efficiency cogeneration auctions aim to include this tech to electrify heat and boost industrial competitiveness.
Spain is a global leader in molten salt technology, developed for solar thermal plants.
Explore the latest edition of Manufacturing Digital and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Manufacturing LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Manufacturing Digital is a BizClik brand.
