ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the Asturias H₂ Valley project as a case study in applying circular economy principles to renewable hydrogen production. Located at the Aboño power plant in Spain, the project demonstrates how repurposing existing industrial infrastructure from a coal-fired power plant achieves significant environmental and financial benefits. The analysis frames these benefits as deeply interconnected rather than independent systems: environmental advantages such as CO₂ emission reductions and lower water consumption unlock access to public investment schemes, while administrative efficiencies derived from circular economy principles reduce permitting times and investment costs. Legal circularity mechanisms facilitate water concessions and accelerate permitting processes. This project exemplifies how circular economy strategies enhance project feasibility while supporting Spain's Just Transition framework and broader EU hydrogen valley objectives.
