Gerardo Rodríguez (EnergyLab): “We are committed to technology transfer as a cornerstone of the energy transition”

Gerardo Rodríguez Vázquez, Director of Innovation and Markets at EnergyLab, tells us about the capabilities of this technology center, which is highly focused on decarbonization.

Lea esta entrevista en castellano. Entrevista publicada en AutoRevista 2.400

AR.-  What capabilities can EnergyLab apply to the automotive and mobility sectors?

Gerardo Rodríguez Vázquez.-  At EnergyLab, we have technological capabilities geared toward the decarbonization of the automotive value chain, from raw materials to industrial transformation and vehicle end-use. We are working on the development and validation of alternative fuels—such as hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, and synthetic fuels—that can be applied to both land mobility and other modes of transportation.

We specialize in the production of green hydrogen using low-temperature (AEM and PEM) and high-temperature (SOEC) electrochemical routes, as well as in its storage, distribution, and dispensing, including the analysis of the use of existing infrastructure to facilitate its integration into mobility.

We also work on the electrification of industrial processes with a strong energy efficiency component, especially relevant for manufacturers and component suppliers in the sector. We are also focused on circularity and the reuse of strategic raw materials, which contributes to a more circular and sustainable approach to the electric vehicle supply chain.

AR.- What is EnergyLab's specific value contribution to H2ENRY?

G.R.V.-  In the H2ENRY project, EnergyLab is actively involved in the development of innovative green hydrogen production routes, focusing on two complementary approaches: the high-temperature electrochemical route using SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell) technology and the biological route through dark fermentation of wet waste. SOEC technology stands out for its high theoretical efficiency, which can reach or even exceed 100% in terms of higher calorific value (HHV) when combined with waste heat or renewable thermal sources. Furthermore, it enables the co-electrolysis of water vapor and CO₂, paving the way for the direct production of syngas (H₂ + CO), the basis for the generation of e-fuels and other sustainable chemical products.

Furthermore, dark fermentation offers a biological route to produce hydrogen from organic waste, making it a technology aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Its main value lies in its ability to transform wet waste streams, which are difficult to recover by other means, into renewable hydrogen, closing the material and energy cycles within industrial processes.

AR.- What future applications could green hydrogen have in production processes across the value chain of industries such as the automotive industry?

G.R.V.- Green hydrogen has vast potential to transform the automotive industry, both in production processes and in mobility. At the industrial level, it can be used as a source of clean energy to power furnaces or thermal processes that currently rely on fossil fuels, as is the case in the manufacture of metal components or surface treatments. In the field of mobility, its use as an energy vector enables the development of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which are particularly competitive in segments such as heavy-duty transport, logistics fleets, and long-distance transport. 

Furthermore, it is a key precursor for the production of e-fuels and other synthetic fuels such as methanol or ammonia, which allow existing fleets to decarbonize without the need for immediate electrification. Beyond the automotive sector, hydrogen is positioning itself as a strategic energy solution in thermal-intensive industries and as a large-scale energy storage system, facilitating the integration of renewable energies into the energy system.

AR.- How is the FACENDO+ project, in which EnergyLab participates, evolving?

G.R.V..- FACENDO Plus represents a strategic initiative in the automotive sector that aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. At EnergyLab, we contribute to the development of technological solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency, decarbonizing processes, and maximizing resource recovery within a circular economy approach. 

Our participation focuses on activities that combine artificial intelligence, advanced modeling, and monitoring systems to optimize processes, improve the use of energy resources, and reduce environmental impacts. All of this is part of a comprehensive vision that seeks to generate transferable knowledge and applicable solutions in production plants, with a target of 2026 to consolidate results with high replicability potential.

AR.- What are EnergyLab's medium-term strategic plans?

G.R.V.-  In the medium term, EnergyLab is strengthening its commitment to technology transfer as a strategic pillar to drive the energy transition, improve competitiveness, and internationalization. Our activity focuses on the development of innovative technologies applied to decarbonization, the circular economy, and energy efficiency, with a multi-sector approach that allows us to adapt solutions to different value chains, such as the automotive, agri-food, and chemical industries. In this context, we promote participation in collaborative programs such as the Cervera Networks, INNTERCONECTA, and CDTI Missions calls, which foster cooperation between technology centers, companies, and other stakeholders in the innovation system. 

These initiatives allow us to consolidate lines of work in high-value-added technologies such as the production of green hydrogen through SOEC electrolysis, the recovery of waste heat in industrial processes, or the application of artificial intelligence for energy management. Ultimately, we want to continue being a strategic partner for the industry, facilitating the leap from applied research to the implementation of solutions that drive a sustainable and competitive energy transition.