Chile Invests in Green Hydrogen with Grant Awards to Electrolyzer Production Projects
Key Ideas
  • Chile's state development agency Corfo awarded grants of US$25.6mn to China, Spain, and local companies for electrolyzer production projects, aiming to boost green hydrogen value chains and local expertise.
  • The initiative involves building electrolyzer unit production capacity by 2026, contributing to Chile's goal of playing a significant role in high value-added engineering manufacturing in the green hydrogen sector.
  • Key challenges include project permitting, cost reduction, and securing offtakers, as Chile eyes green hydrogen as a tool for decarbonization and explores new export opportunities in e-fuels and green ammonia.
  • The winning projects in Biobío and Santiago regions involve local assembly of alkaline and PEM electrolyzers of various capacities, highlighting a move towards self-sufficiency and industry growth in Chile.
Chile's state development agency Corfo has allocated grants worth US$25.6 million to support three electrolyzer production projects in collaboration with Chinese, Spanish, and local companies. The total investment in these plants is estimated to exceed US$50 million, with the aim of fostering green hydrogen value chains and local knowledge in Chile. By producing electrolyzers within the country, Chile can reduce logistical costs associated with importing finished units. The selected parties will focus on conducting studies, securing land, and forming partnerships with local suppliers and providers in the initial phase of the projects. Subsequently, they will progress to developing electrolyzer specifications with the intention of commencing unit production by 2026. Chile has a significant number of green hydrogen projects in the pipeline, particularly in regions like Antofagasta and Magallanes, with the Biobío region also emerging as a promising area due to its industrial demand and existing infrastructure. The country's goal is to facilitate the construction of various-scale production plants in the medium to long term while ensuring the availability of skilled personnel for electrolyzer maintenance. The projects awarded grants include assembly of alkaline and PEM electrolyzers of different capacities, incorporating local manufacturing of certain components. The foreign entities involved, such as Beijing SinoHyEnergy and JoltechSolutions, are partnering with local players to establish electrolyzer assembly plants in Biobío and Santiago regions. Chile views green hydrogen as a crucial element in its decarbonization strategy and envisions opportunities for exporting e-fuels and green ammonia. However, the industry faces hurdles related to project approvals, cost efficiency, and securing buyers. Despite these challenges, the grant awards signify Chile's commitment to advancing in the green hydrogen sector and positioning itself as a key player in high-value manufacturing within the industry.
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