Spain | September 30, 2025 – In a landmark moment for Spain and the broader European energy landscape, Axpo Iberia and TURN2X have formalized a groundbreaking Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that positions Spain at the forefront of green gas innovation. This agreement marks the nation’s first-ever commercial-scale production of green e-methane, a renewable natural gas generated through advanced electrolysis technology. Together with Aquila Clean Energy, the three companies have charted a path-breaking course that accelerates the decarbonization of hard-to-electrify industries, heralding a new era in sustainable energy.
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A Milestone for the Spanish and European Energy Transition
The new PPA, announced today, represents the first contract of its kind in Spain dedicated to the production and supply of Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) methane gas via electrolysis. TURN2X’s innovative electrolyzer module, powered entirely by renewable electricity from Aquila Clean Energy and marketed by Axpo Iberia, is now actively producing RFNBO-compliant renewable natural gas (RNG). This fuel is not only sustainable but also compatible with Spain’s existing natural gas infrastructure, enabling seamless integration into current energy systems without the need for costly upgrades.
This initiative is more than just a technological achievement—it is a vital step toward achieving the European Union’s ambitious climate goals and the decarbonization of sectors traditionally resistant to electrification, such as ceramics, steel production, and maritime transport. It also bolsters European energy sovereignty by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels through locally produced green gases.
How the Technology Works: Pioneering Renewable Methane Production
TURN2X’s proprietary methanation process combines green hydrogen—produced via water electrolysis using 100% renewable electricity supplied by Aquila Clean Energy—with biogenic carbon dioxide captured from sustainable sources. This reaction produces RFNBO methane, a renewable natural gas indistinguishable from conventional natural gas but with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
This renewable methane can be injected into the existing gas network, making it immediately usable across multiple sectors without the infrastructural challenges typically associated with alternative fuels. The process embodies a circular carbon economy model: carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere is captured and recycled into clean energy.
A Collaborative Triumph: Axpo Iberia, TURN2X, and Aquila Clean Energy
The innovative PPA contract showcases a pioneering collaboration between three key players:
- Axpo Iberia, a leading independent energy marketer, responsible for managing and guaranteeing the supply of renewable electricity and issuing guarantees of origin compliant with new European regulations.
- TURN2X, a cleantech specialist in modular e-methane solutions, operating the electrolyzer plant and leveraging its patented technology to deliver scalable green gas production.
- Aquila Clean Energy, a developer and operator of renewable energy projects, supplying the clean electricity that powers the electrolyzer and ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance under the European Renewables Directive (RED III).
This alliance has been critical to adapting and implementing the complex certification framework required by European regulatory bodies, making Spain one of the first markets to deploy fully compliant RFNBO methane production.
Pioneering the Future of Energy
“This agreement proves that green hydrogen and its derivative fuels are no longer future promises but industrially viable realities,” stated Ignacio Soneira, CEO of Axpo Iberia. “By providing traceability and guarantees of origin, we are enabling the decarbonization of sectors where electrification alone is insufficient.”
Philip Kessler, CEO of TURN2X, added, “Our modular, flexible methanation technology can be deployed rapidly compared to traditional large-scale plants. This project is a game-changer, showing the market that green e-methane is a practical, scalable, and transport-ready solution without requiring new infrastructure investments.”
Marc Lohoff, COO of Aquila Clean Energy, emphasized the importance of renewable electricity traceability: “Our clean energy is the foundation of this project’s success, ensuring that the methane produced meets stringent renewable criteria, paving the way for widespread adoption in industry and transport.”
Accelerating Green Hydrogen Development in Spain and Europe
The timing of this PPA is pivotal. Spain’s Hydrogen Roadmap forecasts a surge in electrolyzer capacity to at least 4 GW by 2030, with an annual consumption target of 25,000 tons of renewable hydrogen across industrial and transport sectors. Meeting these ambitious targets requires replicable, economically sound business models like the one demonstrated by this partnership.
Compliance with the European Commission’s Delegated Acts is essential to classify hydrogen and its derivatives as genuinely renewable, unlocking incentives and market mechanisms critical to scaling this new energy vector.
By establishing a clear, traceable, and regulatory-aligned contractual framework, the Axpo- TURN2X-Aquila partnership sets a replicable benchmark for the energy transition across Europe, supporting financing, market confidence, and rapid deployment of renewable fuels.
About Axpo
Axpo’s sole purpose is to contribute to a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions. The company is Switzerland’s largest energy producer and an international leader in energy trading and marketing of solar and wind energy.
Axpo draws on the experience and knowledge of more than 7,000 employees, driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration, and impactful change. Using cutting-edge technologies, Axpo innovates to meet the evolving needs of its customers in more than 30 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Source Axpo