Today, at Recer’s facilities, WP2X and Floene signed a contract formalising the connection of the future green hydrogen project to the region’s natural gas network, with operations expected to begin in 2027.

With an investment of around €8 million, this project marks a strategic milestone in Portugal’s energy transition and represents innovation for the ceramics sector. As a leading company in the industry and active member of the Oliveira do Bairro ceramic cluster, Recer sees this initiative as a real opportunity to accelerate the decarbonisation of its operations, reinforcing its commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable competitiveness.

WP2X, jointly owned by Winpower and Metalcértima, and Recer are part of the INDOB group, a consortium of industrial companies deeply rooted in the region and united by a forward‑looking vision: technological innovation, sustainability and environmentally responsible economic development.

Utilising green hydrogen allows the industry to significantly reduce its environmental footprint while simultaneously promoting innovation and energy autonomy.

Recer is proud to be associated with this historic endeavour, embracing a project that positions the central region as a key player in Portugal’s energy transition.

Together, we build a cleaner, greener and more resilient future.

Green Hydrogen: A Lever for Oliveira do Bairro’s Industrial Future

The industrial sector in Oliveira do Bairro, with strong ceramic, metalworking, plastics and glass clusters, remains energy‑intensive and reliant on fossil fuels. In this context, green hydrogen emerges as a strategic solution to speed up the energy transition alongside other innovations, promoting decarbonisation, energy efficiency and regional competitiveness.

Produced from renewable sources such as solar and wind, green hydrogen can replace natural gas in many industrial applications, supplying heat and electricity with zero CO₂ emissions in use. Although adoption may require adjustments to existing infrastructure and processes, its transformative potential is high, both environmentally and economically.

Benefits are significant: emissions reduction, access to funding mechanisms, enhanced product valuation in demanding markets and the stimulation of skilled employment. Decentralised production of green hydrogen could also reduce external energy dependency and enhance the resilience of the industrial hub in the Bairrada region.

With a solid industrial base, strategic location and strong adaptability, Oliveira do Bairro is well placed to lead in the new energy economy. The embrace of green hydrogen offers a tangible opportunity for innovation, sustainable development and alignment with national and European climate goals.