1. What is Green Hydrogen, and Why is Chile a Potential Leader?
Green hydrogen is a fuel produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy, such as wind or solar, making it entirely carbon-free. Chile benefits from:
- High solar radiation levels in the north (Atacama Desert), ideal for photovoltaic projects.
- Strong and consistent winds in the south (Patagonia), suitable for wind energy.
- A strategic position for exporting hydrogen to Asian, European, and North American markets.
2. Key Green Hydrogen Projects in Chile
A. Haru Oni Project (Punta Arenas)
- Developer: HIF Global.
- Description: This project aims to produce green hydrogen to synthesize clean fuels such as e-fuel.
- Capacity: 130,000 liters of e-fuel per year in its initial stage.
- Strategic Partners: Porsche and Siemens Energy.
- Goal: Export carbon-neutral fuels for the automotive sector.
B. HyEx Project (Antofagasta)
- Developers: Engie and Enaex.
- Description: Aiming to produce green ammonia for the mining industry and export.
- Projected Capacity: Up to 25,000 tons of green ammonia annually in its first phase.
- Impact: Reduce dependence on imported ammonia and lower the carbon footprint of mining.
C. Cerro Dominador Hydrogen Project
- Developers: Cerro Dominador and Acciona.
- Description: Integration of a concentrated solar power plant with electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen.
- Focus: Supply hydrogen to local industries in northern Chile.
D. High Andes Project (Magallanes)
- Developer: Total Eren.
- Description: Development of a wind farm powering an electrolyzer for green hydrogen and ammonia production.
- Projected Capacity: 10 GW of installed renewable energy.
3. Government Strategy and Goals
In 2020, the Chilean government launched its National Green Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to:
- Become the world’s cheapest green hydrogen producer by 2030.
- Achieve 5 GW of electrolyzer capacity by 2025 and 25 GW by 2030.
- Position Chile as a leading green hydrogen exporter by 2040.
4. Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
Infrastructure: Greater investment in specialized ports and transportation is needed.
Regulation: Clear and competitive standards must be ensured.
Financing: High initial costs require support from international organizations.
Opportunities:
Exports: Markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Germany are interested in importing green hydrogen.
Decarbonization: Integrating hydrogen into industries like mining, heavy transport, and electricity generation.
Local Growth: Job creation and technological development in local communities.
5. Global Impact
Chile could reduce up to 20 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2040 through green hydrogen exports alone, significantly contributing to global climate goals.