Uruguay and the European Union jointly promote green hydrogen advancement

In the framework of the V European Investment Forum in Uruguay: Renewables on the Move and the visit of the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, the Ambassador of the European Union in the country, Paolo Berizzi, and the Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining of Uruguay, Elisa Facio, signed a declaration of intent for the allocation of 2,000,000 euros from the European Union. This contribution aims to strengthen the capacities that the green hydrogen sector will require in the country, support the updating and expansion of the regulatory framework, and implement a dissemination and citizen dialogue plan, among other initiatives.

Uruguay is currently undergoing its second energy transition. In this regard, Elisa Facio pointed out that the country’s first energy transition allowed it to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, reaching 99% of renewable elements in its energy matrix. Thus, Uruguay has consolidated its position as a reference in Latin America and the Caribbean, and globally, in the production and use of renewable energies.

On the other hand, the Roadmap for Green Hydrogen in Uruguay foresees an investment of US $18 billion until 2040, facilitating the creation of more than 30,000 jobs and being the European Union the main target market. It should be recalled that in 2023, Uruguay signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Union focused on the advancement of green hydrogen, its derivatives and energy efficiency.

Elisa Facio also announced that they are working on a national infrastructure and logistics plan for the production of green hydrogen. On this plan, progress has already been made in different actions together with the Ministries of Environment (MA) and Transport and Public Works (MTOP), the National Ports Administration (ANP) and the Regulatory Unit of Energy and Water Services (Ursea).

The opening of the event was attended by national and international authorities, including the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nicolás Albertoni; the National Director of Energy, Christian Nieves; the European Union Ambassador to Uruguay, Paolo Berizzi, and the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson.

Source: Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining of Uruguay.