IDB Leads Green Hydrogen Push in Chile with $400mn Injection
Key Ideas
- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has invested $400 million in a $1 billion government financing facility in Chile to support green hydrogen projects and reduce capital costs.
- This initiative, along with contributions from European financial institutions, the World Bank, and the Chilean development agency Corfo, aims to unlock $5 billion in investment by 2040.
- Challenges such as production costs, financing, and environmental permitting exist for Chile and other nations involved in green energy projects.
- The facility in Santiago is expected to attract more investment, with projects focusing on hydrogen, e-fuels, and green ammonia, targeting both domestic and export markets.
Green hydrogen is gaining significant momentum in Chile with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) injecting $400 million into a $1 billion government financing facility to support projects across the green hydrogen value chain. The initiative aims to drive down capital costs and derisk investments. The IDB's president, Ilan Goldfajn, views green hydrogen as the 'sector of the future'. The IDB's leadership in this area is seen as a strong signal to the market, with European financial institutions, the World Bank, and Chilean development agency Corfo participating in the funding. The facility is expected to unlock $5 billion in investments by 2040, with several project owners already engaged in discussions with Corfo. Challenges faced include production costs, financing, and environmental permitting. The projects, which include hydrogen, e-fuels, and green ammonia, represent a significant investment opportunity for Chile, with some projects targeting domestic markets and others aiming for exports. The first contract linked to the facility is expected to be signed soon. The Chilean government, along with Corfo, is also focusing on developing local supply chains to support the green hydrogen industry's growth.