Andalusia will mark Industry Day on 19 February in the Campo de Gibraltar, regional minister for Universities, Industry, Energy and Innovation Jorge Paradela said at the presentation of the Association of Large Industries of the Campo de Gibraltar (AGI) report for 2025. The Andalusian government’s Council of Government designated 19 February as Industry Day in the region. The observance recognises the industrial sector’s contribution to wealth, innovation and quality employment in Andalusia.
Paradela highlighted the adaptability and investment commitment of the companies and organisations in AGI during a year affected by external geopolitical tensions, a nationwide power outage and the resulting energy costs, as well as the complete cessation of activity at the Los Barrios thermal power plant. He described it as “a year of maximum demands” that affected results. He also praised the industries’ performance, saying they had safeguarded employment for more than 12,000 direct and indirect workers and increased investment to €365 million.
Paradela cited investment in research, development and innovation, the energy transition, and sustainability as three factors behind the industrial hub’s resilience. He also referred to green hydrogen initiatives, including the Andalusian Hydrogen Valley promoted by Moeve. He said the Campo de Gibraltar would become a major green hydrogen production hub and stressed the need for a network to transport it.
The regional ministry is working with organisations and companies, including AGI and Enagás, to seek European Union Common Interest Project status for the Campo de Gibraltar green hydrogen branch. Paradela also outlined cooperation with other European regions. During European Hydrogen Week in Brussels, the ministry plans to advance work with the Port of Rotterdam on hydrogen development, transport and promotion, renewable energy and carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, and explore cooperation with North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. The existing partnership between the ports of Algeciras and Ningbo is also intended to support a green maritime corridor to decarbonise the port system.
Paradela called on public administrations to support the growth of Campo de Gibraltar businesses and said Spain’s central government should increase funding for the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries. The Andalusian government, he said, will establish an Energy-Intensive Industry Round Table, including AGI, to monitor and assess the sector’s needs and related measures.
He also said the combination of university and innovation responsibilities with industry, energy and mining offers an opportunity to connect academic knowledge with industry. The University of Cádiz introduced master’s degrees in Maritime Security and Protection and Petrochemistry and Hydrogen Technologies in the 2025/26 academic year, and launched a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering this academic year. A master’s degree in Energy Infrastructure Management is planned.