Iberdrola España begins trials to power Bayer's production process in Asturias using 100% renewable steam
- The project, which will meet the steam requirements of the plant that produces Bayer's acetylsalicylic acid for the global market, has involved a total investment of €18 million and the participation of more than 60 professionals in its initial implementation phase alone
- The initiative includes a 15 MW renewable energy PPA and will enable the elimination of some 6,500 tonnes of CO₂, positioning the Asturian mining basin as a benchmark for an industrial model that is moving towards electrification as a key driver of competitiveness.
- With the start of testing, which will be completed by the end of the year, the path towards a continuous supply of 100% renewable steam for the production of the active ingredient in Aspirin® has begun.
The Bayer La Felguera plant (Langreo) has begun receiving steam from 100% renewable sources, generated by Iberdrola España, to produce acetylsalicylic acid. The energy company has electrified the production of this steam, replacing fossil fuels with electricity from renewable sources, thereby eliminating 6,500 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
The process uses a thermal salt storage system that allows renewable energy to be stored for steam production at any time. Thus, at times when electricity is more competitive — that is, when there is greater renewable generation — it is stored for use when the industrial process requires it.
To supply the electricity required to produce 100% of the steam consumed by the process, Iberdrola España has developed a 15 megawatts Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for renewable energy and a 2.5 megawatts photovoltaic installation for self-consumption.
Furthermore, this is the first large-scale heat electrification project with thermal storage in Spain, organised through a forward heat purchase agreement (HPA). To bring the project online the energy company has invested over €18 million and involved more than 60 professionals.
The facility, currently in the testing phase, replaces gas consumption and adopts an industrial electrification model to produce, among other active ingredients, acetylsalicylic acid, which is essential for progressing towards a secure, self-sufficient, competitive and sustainable energy model, independent of fossil fuels. This initiative positions the Asturian mining region as a benchmark for sustainable development and competitiveness, driven by industrial innovation developed in Spain.
Acetylsalicylic acid, which is produced at La Felguera, is the active ingredient in Bayer's well-known Aspirin®, alongside other active ingredients manufactured at the Asturian site and distributed from there worldwide. This initiative reinforces the transformation of a strategic centre for the pharmaceutical company on a global scale. The electrification of the production process will enable Bayer to make progress towards decarbonisation and to strengthen the strategic autonomy of Asturias, Spain and Europe — as a cornerstone of industrial competitiveness and resilience — while reducing energy dependencies.
“This milestone represents a major step forward not only for Bayer, but also for the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors, strengthening Asturias and Spain’s position as benchmarks for sustainable industrial development. La Felguera is a strategic site for Bayer globally, and this project allows us to move towards a more efficient, resilient and competitive production model, while reaffirming our commitment to Asturias and to maintaining strategic industrial capabilities in Spain and Europe,” said Jorge Álvarez, Director of Bayer’s plant in Asturias.
In the words of David Martínez, CEO of Iberdrola Energía España: “This is the first major steam electrification project incorporating thermal storage in Spain and one of the largest in the world, demonstrating Iberdrola España’s strong commitment to Asturias. Thermal storage is an available technology that can decarbonise up to 50% of the heat consumed by industry in Spain. With this initiative, Iberdrola España and Bayer are paving the way for new projects in Spain and other markets.”
The project, developed by Iberdrola España, incorporates technology from the Spanish engineering firm Inerco to integrate the thermal storage system and is backed by various public institutions and bodies: the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) and the Institute for Just Transition (ITJ), both attached to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge; the Principality of Asturias; and Langreo Town Council. Furthermore, the project developed by Iberdrola España has the support of the European Union's Innovation Fund under the Innovation Fund programme managed by CINEA.
From industrial heritage to a model for the future
This transformation is particularly significant given its location in the Asturian Mining Basin, a region historically linked to coal and industrial activity which is now moving towards a model based on innovation, electrification and renewable energy.
As a symbol of this transformation, Bayer’s site has unveiled the “Del Negro al Berde” (From Black to Green) mural, developed in collaboration with the BERDE collective. The artwork depicts the transition from an industrial past shaped by coal to a future driven by electrification. In addition, the project, under the artistic direction of Manuel García, has a social dimension thanks to the participation of people with disabilities.
With more than eight decades of operation, La Felguera reaffirms its commitment to industrial transformation and competitiveness. Technological innovation, collaboration with the local region and sustainability are the pillars upon which the site continues to strengthen its role within Bayer's global network.