GIZ and RP Global team up in BMWK H2Uppp Program to develop a portfolio of green hydrogen projects in southern Argentina

The partnership was launched in late November 2024 at the headquarters of the German-Argentine Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Argentina) in Buenos Aires. Officials from the national government and the province of Santa Cruz, representatives of both chambers of the National Congress and various companies from the renewable energy and green hydrogen sectors participated in high-level discussions on the prospects and opportunities for green hydrogen in Argentina.

The International Hydrogen Promotion Program (H2Uppp) of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) launched a cooperation project (PPP) between GIZ and RP Global to support Argentina in the development of green hydrogen and green ammonia projects that can be used for domestic demand and exported to Europe and Germany.

The association supports the development of the green industry in Argentina. It includes a technical and economic analysis of the hydrogen production chain, a study on biodiversity and water in the Santa Cruz region, an analysis of current regulations in Argentina, along with capacity building and workshops to disseminate the results obtained.

Green hydrogen is vital for Argentina and Germany, as it supports their energy transitions and climate goals. Argentina can leverage its renewable resources to become a major supplier, while Germany relies on green hydrogen imports to decarbonize its industries and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Through the H2Uppp initiative, the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) supports entrepreneurial efforts and the development of early-stage projects to strengthen the global hydrogen market. The BMWK focuses on encouraging investment and accelerating the growth of the international hydrogen economy. In addition, hydrogen projects drive local economic benefits by creating jobs, generating tax revenues and fostering business growth through the production, local use and international trade of green hydrogen and its derivatives. H2Uppp helps address the future demand for green hydrogen in Germany and Europe, while fostering technology transfer.

The objective of the “Gaucho Wind to Hydrogen & Green Ammonia” project is to produce green ammonia for export, mainly to the European market, while meeting the growing local demand as a secondary objective. In a first phase, the project aims to install 3 GW of electrolyzers fed by an estimated 4.2 GW wind farm that can produce +21,340 GWh of energy and up to 1.7 Mt/year of green ammonia. The project advances RP Global’s mission to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy worldwide.

Igor Reščec, CTO of RP Global, says: “We are aware of the magnitude of the challenge ahead and are ready to take it on. This partnership goes beyond identifying optimal wind sites and building facilities: it is about maintaining the highest environmental, social and safety standards. From planning import and export facilities at local ports to organizing sound logistics for the construction and operation of green hydrogen plants, our goal is to create a shared infrastructure that benefits both local communities and the hydrogen sector as a whole. We are also committed to contributing to the development of a clear regulatory framework that supports the future of renewable hydrogen in Argentina.

The International Hydrogen Promotion Program (H2Uppp) of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) promotes projects and market development for green hydrogen in selected developing and emerging countries as part of the National Hydrogen Strategy.

About RP Global

RP Global is a leading developer, operator, and investor in the renewable energy sector with over 40 years of experience. RP Global focuses on developing and managing solar PV, wind, green hydrogen, and storage projects. Currently, the company is advancing a development pipeline exceeding 14 GW(p).

RP Global Austria Zwei GmbH
Schwarzenbergplatz 5/2/1
1030 Wien, Austria
Tel. +43 (1) 710 21 18

Website – LinkedIn

About GIZ

As a federally owned enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ has been commissioned by BMWK to implement H2Uppp. GIZ also acts as the public partner in PPP projects that are implemented as part of H2Uppp.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Marchant Pereira 150, Providencia.
Santiago, Chile.
Tel. +56 2 2306 8600

Website – LinkedIn

Source: Press release provided by Cristián Fuentes (Energy Cluster GIZ GmbH)