Bayer Begins Testing Salt Based Thermal Storage For Renewable Steam In Spain
The project uses renewable electricity and thermal storage to replace fossil fuels in the production of acetylsalicylic acid at a pharmaceutical plant in Asturias.
German pharmaceutical company Bayer has launched a trial of a system designed to generate renewable steam at its manufacturing facility in La Felguera, Langreo, located in the Asturias region of Spain. The installation, which produces the active ingredient for Aspirin, aims to eliminate the use of fossil fuels for steam generation by utilizing renewable energy sources.
The initiative was developed by Iberdrola España and integrates a 15 MW renewable power purchase agreement with a 2.5 MW self-consumption solar array. To ensure a consistent supply of steam, the system incorporates thermal energy storage using salt, which helps decouple electricity generation from the industrial heat demand. The project is intended to cover the entire steam requirement for the plant's acetylsalicylic acid production.
The technology for integrating the thermal storage system was provided by the Spanish engineering firm Inerco, with the project structured around a long-term heat purchase agreement. Iberdrola reported that the total investment for the development exceeds €18 million, involving more than 60 professionals during the initial implementation phase.
The project has secured financial and institutional support from several entities, including the European Union’s Innovation Fund, the regional government of Asturias, and the Langreo City Council. Additionally, it received backing from Spain’s Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) and the Institute for Just Transition. Testing of the steam supply is currently underway, with the system expected to reach continuous operation by the end of the year.
