# Bayer Tests Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Renewable Steam in Spain A new industrial project in Asturias replaces fossil fuels with renewable steam generation. - **Source:** [pv magazine](https://www.pv-magazine.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/262ea62b-3d64-47c3-a50b-cacc798cc94d ## Renewable Steam Pilot Launch Bayer has initiated testing for a renewable steam generation system at its pharmaceutical plant in La Felguera, Spain. The facility, located in the Asturias region, produces acetylsalicylic acid, the primary ingredient in Aspirin. This project aims to eliminate fossil fuel reliance for industrial heat by utilizing renewable electricity sources. ## Technical System Components Developed by Iberdrola España, the installation integrates a 15 MW renewable power purchase agreement with a 2.5 MW self-consumption solar array. The system utilizes salt-based thermal energy storage to decouple electricity generation from heat demand. This mechanism ensures a continuous supply of steam required for the plant's complex manufacturing processes. ## Integration and Engineering The project incorporates specialized technology from the Spanish engineering firm Inerco to manage the thermal storage integration. It operates under a long-term heat purchase agreement, ensuring a structured transition to sustainable energy. The system is designed to meet the total steam requirements for acetylsalicylic acid production using exclusively renewable energy. ## Investment and Implementation The initiative represents a total investment exceeding 18 million euros. More than 60 professionals were involved in the initial implementation phase of the facility. The project is currently in a trial phase, with continuous operation scheduled to commence by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone for the site. ## Public and Institutional Support The project secured backing from Spain’s Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving and the Institute for Just Transition. Additional support was provided by the regional government of Asturias and the Langreo City Council. Furthermore, the European Union’s Innovation Fund contributed to the financial framework, highlighting the project's strategic importance for regional decarbonization. ## Decoupling Heat and Power Thermal energy storage serves as a critical buffer, allowing the plant to store heat generated during peak renewable production hours. By converting electricity into stored thermal energy, the facility avoids the intermittency issues typical of solar power. This approach provides the stability necessary for sensitive pharmaceutical manufacturing operations throughout the day. ## Industrial Decarbonization Context Pharmaceutical manufacturing is traditionally energy-intensive, often requiring high-pressure steam for chemical synthesis. Transitioning these processes to renewable sources is a complex engineering challenge due to the need for constant temperature regulation. This Spanish pilot serves as a practical model for how heavy industry can successfully integrate renewable energy storage solutions. ## Future Operational Outlook The successful conclusion of the trial phase by year-end will determine the long-term viability of salt-based storage for Bayer. If the system maintains consistent steam output, it could provide a blueprint for other pharmaceutical sites globally. The project demonstrates a scalable pathway for integrating renewable energy into existing industrial manufacturing infrastructures. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/11/09/salt-based-thermal-storage-supports-renewable-steam-in-spain/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._