LISBON, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese energy company EDP began producing green hydrogen Tuesday at its repurposed Ribatejo thermal power plant in Carregado, Lisbon district, marking a major step in its energy transition strategy and Portugal's decarbonization goals.

The hydrogen will be injected into a gas turbine in a real industrial setting, representing EDP's first hydrogen production in Portugal and Europe. The project transforms a former fossil-fuel facility into a clean-technology hub as part of EDP's plan to phase out coal by 2025 and achieve 100 percent renewable generation by 2030.

At the heart of the initiative is a 5-megawatt electrolyzer using proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. Initially scheduled to start by the end of 2024, the plant became operational in September 2025. According to EDP, the site will provide practical experience across the hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, and conversion into electricity, while exploring optimal applications and business models.

This effort supports Portugal's broader green hydrogen strategy. The government aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and to meet 80 percent of electricity consumption with renewables by 2030. Portugal's Atlantic location, natural gas infrastructure, and abundant low-cost renewable resources give it an advantage in developing large-scale green hydrogen and exporting it to other Europe countries. ■