Advanced Membrane Technology in Refining
Petronor and H2SITE have announced a strategic alliance to implement cutting-edge membrane technology at Petronor’s refinery in Bilbao, Spain. The agreement was signed to revolutionise hydrogen production, announced on April 20, 2026.
By integrating H2SITE’s proprietary membrane technology within the Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) process, the project aims to significantly enhance plant efficiency and boost CO capture opportunities. This collaboration marks a significant step for Petronor and H2SITE in their commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Petronor’s engineering and operations teams will work closely with H2SITE’s technical experts, leveraging decades of expertise in refinery operations and industrial integration. This partnership combines advanced membrane reactor technology with deep operational expertise to accelerate efficient, low-carbon, and sustainable hydrogen production.
Andrés Galnares, CEO of H2SITE, stated, “Partnering with Petronor allows us to demonstrate how our membrane reactor can be integrated downstream of existing reformers to recover more hydrogen while lowering net energy demand.” This project is expected to prove a repeatable scale-up route, improve process yields, and de-risk rapid commercial roll-out.
Integrating Sustainable Technologies
The joint development initiative is set to create a pioneering First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) unit. This unit will not only improve process yields but also facilitate the rapid commercial deployment of membrane technology across refineries. José Ignacio Zudaire, CEO of Petronor, remarked, “By integrating advanced membrane technology into our existing assets, we aim to optimise hydrogen management and enhance CO capture potential, reinforcing our industrial competitiveness.”
Petronor’s commitment to innovation is evident in their investment of over €1.2 billion in the past five years to advance industrial decarbonization and create 201 new jobs. This collaboration with H2SITE showcases scalable solutions for hydrogen production, supporting global decarbonization targets while ensuring economic viability in energy-intensive industries.
H2SITE, a leader in hydrogen and derivatives solutions, provides scalable and bankable systems for hydrogen production, separation, and ammonia cracking, designed specifically for industrial deployment. Their technology supports efficient hydrogen logistics and decentralized generation models, positioning them as a key player in the industry.
Petronor, based in Bizkaia, Spain, has consistently invested in hydrogen technologies and innovation. The company aims to improve operational efficiency and advance towards net-zero emissions, making them a significant industrial player in the energy sector.
