Coca-Cola Launches Hydrogen-Powered Vending Machine in Spain, Marking a Sustainability Milestone
Coca-Cola is pioneering sustainable retail solutions in Spain with the debut of its first vending machine powered entirely by green hydrogen energy. Located in Madrid Río, the initiative is a joint project between Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and Hydrogen Ne, a clean energy provider specializing in hydrogen-based technologies.
This hydrogen-powered vending unit eliminates greenhouse gas emissions throughout its operation by utilizing renewable hydrogen stored in reusable bottles, highlighting Coca-Cola’s commitment to carbon reduction across its supply chain. According to the company, the machine is integrated with a technological system that enables real-time monitoring of hydrogen consumption and operational efficiency—key factors for ensuring energy optimization and long-term viability.
The move aligns with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ broader sustainability goals, including a target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The rollout of a hydrogen-fueled vending machine represents a significant step in decarbonizing last-mile retail operations, an area traditionally reliant on electricity or fossil fuels.
Hydrogen is gaining traction in the FMCG sector as a viable alternative energy source due to its clean combustion process, with water vapor as the only emission. While most hydrogen applications have focused on transport and industrial processes, Coca-Cola’s use of the technology at the point-of-sale level introduces a novel approach to sustainability in consumer engagement touchpoints.
The vending machine was unveiled in collaboration with Madrid City Council and the Manzanares Linear Park Cultural Landscape Association, reinforcing the city’s strategic focus on green infrastructure and energy innovation.
For FMCG stakeholders, this launch underscores the growing importance of carbon-neutral technologies in brand visibility and consumer trust. It also demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating sustainable energy into high-volume consumer access channels with minimal disruption to user experience.
If successful, this pilot could pave the way for broader deployment of hydrogen-powered vending machines and other low-emission point-of-sale solutions across Europe—positioning Coca-Cola as a leader in sustainable retail experiences.