Summit underscores importance of public-private partnerships in the development of the green hydrogen economy in Latin America and the Caribbean

The LAC H2 SUMMIT brought together senior executives from companies, public and financial organizations from different countries in the region, confirming the potential and prospects for the development of renewable hydrogen in Colombia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

This event was organized by the Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy, the LAC Clean Hydrogen Action, the H2Uppp Program of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection implemented by GIZ and the AHKs as partners, H2 Diplo, Hydrogen Colombia and the World Energy Council Colombia, and sought to join collective efforts to move towards an effective and equitable decarbonization, strengthening the competitiveness of the region globally.

During the opening of this important event, the Minister of Mines and Energy of Colombia, Omar Andrés Camacho, stressed that the country has taken on the challenge of leading a Just Energy Transition, in which low-emission hydrogen plays a fundamental role, and therefore “we have developed a new energy transition plan for the country. Hydrogen Ecosystem of ColombiaHe also stressed that deepening issues such as decarbonization of energy end-use sectors promotes the consolidation of Colombia as a strategic hub for the production of green hydrogen.

Monica Gasca, executive president of the Hydrogen Association Colombia and secretary general of LAC Clean Hydrogen Action, said that “the hydrogen ecosystem in Latin America and the Caribbean is becoming more and more consolidated.

However, we must join efforts in fundamental aspects such as the promotion of project development, financing, certification of origin, technologies in the value chain and export of hydrogen and its derivatives. To achieve these goals, public policies and guidelines to be drawn up by governments are essential. The supply of green hydrogen is ready and from the Alliance we are paving the way to join together and enable the decarbonization of industries, but clear rules are needed for this ecosystem to become a tangible reality that allows the fulfillment of the 2030 goals.

In addition, Dr. Christian Storost, from the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK), presented Germany’s import strategy for hydrogen and its derivatives, highlighting the valuable opportunity that Latin America represents as a strategic partner. Germany plans to import more than 70% of its hydrogen needs, which creates a favorable environment for the development of this industry in the region. Dr. Storost stressed the importance of these spaces for dialogue, which are essential to promote the development of hydrogen projects and facilitate collaboration between the main actors in the sector in the region.

Event Highlights:

• Trade show: 30 exhibiting companies showed their proposals on green hydrogen.
• Business roundtable: More than 160 appointments were scheduled between businessmen, investors and key players in the energy sector, promoting the development of new strategic alliances.
• Side events: 9 side events provided specialized discussion spaces on topics such as hydrogen value chains, gender inclusion in the sector and auction mechanisms for hydrogen projects.
• Exhibition of innovative hydrogen technologies: a Toyota Mirai vehicle, currently being tested by Ecopetrol as part of its exploration of sustainable mobility alternatives powered by hydrogen, was on display.

LAC H2 SUMMIT 2024 closed its doors with a strong call to action, reaffirming the commitment of Latin American and Caribbean countries to lead the green hydrogen revolution and contribute significantly to the decarbonization of the energy value chain. International collaboration, investments in technology and the implementation of public policies were identified as key to the success of the energy transition.