Mexico's Green Hydrogen Ambitions: A $20 Billion Investment Opportunity
Key Ideas
  • Mexico is set to host 16 green hydrogen projects, requiring a total investment of US$20 billion, with construction projected to commence by the end of 2025.
  • With extensive wind, solar, and geothermal resources, Mexico aims to produce green hydrogen to replace fossil fuels in various sectors, including transportation, heating, mining, metals, and chemicals.
  • The hydrogen association is advocating for government support through new regulations, technical standards, and tax incentives to foster the growth of the green hydrogen industry.
  • Mexico could potentially emerge as a significant exporter of hydrogen, especially to Asian markets, if the green hydrogen sector receives the necessary incentives and support.
Mexico's hydrogen association, H2 México, estimates that the country is home to 16 green hydrogen projects, representing a substantial investment opportunity totaling US$20 billion. In a recent press conference in Mexico City, H2 México President Israel Hurtado revealed that construction for some of these projects may start by late 2025 or in 2026. The 16 projects identified include developments in green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol, with eight projects in the early stages of development and the other eight projects still in the announcement phase. Given Mexico's abundant wind, solar, and geothermal resources, the country is well-positioned to leverage these renewable sources for green hydrogen production through electrolysis. The potential applications for green hydrogen range from replacing fossil fuels in transportation and heating to transforming industries like mining, metals, and chemicals. Despite the promising prospects, the cost of producing green hydrogen remains a significant challenge, as it is more expensive compared to grey hydrogen production. The association highlighted that in 2020, the cost of producing 1kg of green hydrogen in Latin America was as high as US$6, significantly higher than the production cost of grey hydrogen using steam methane reformation. To overcome these cost barriers and drive the growth of the green hydrogen sector, the hydrogen association is urging the Mexican government to introduce supportive measures such as new regulations, technical standards, and tax incentives. The absence of a national hydrogen strategy in Mexico, unlike other Latin American countries such as Chile and Colombia, underscores the need for government intervention to propel the green hydrogen industry forward. In a proactive move, the association published its industrial strategy for clean hydrogen in Mexico, outlining key recommendations for government action. If Mexico successfully implements these strategies and provides the necessary support, the country could potentially become a leading exporter of hydrogen, particularly to Asian markets. The development of the green hydrogen industry in Mexico not only offers economic growth opportunities but also aligns with global efforts towards sustainability and energy transition.
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