EPM, a Colombian utility company, is making significant progress in the country’s energy transition by launching a functional pilot project focused on exploring technologies for the production and utilization of green hydrogen.
The pilot utilizes the biogas generated at the Aguas Claras Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTAR) in Bello, located in the Valle de Aburrá region, and operated by Aguas Nacionales, a subsidiary of Grupo EPM.
The primary objective of this pilot initiative is to gain insights into the costs, efficiencies, performance, and potential applications of hydrogen technology, which aligns with the National Government’s Energy Transition process. Jorge Andrés Carrillo Cardoso, the general manager of EPM, announced the company’s commitment to developing a Green Hydrogen Business Plan and emphasized their ongoing work on the pilot project at the Aguas Claras WWTP. EPM is also actively seeking alliances to complement its capabilities in the green hydrogen sector.
EPM is conducting market research and exploring business models for the production and commercialization of green hydrogen, with the ambition of becoming a key player in the emerging hydrogen industry. Hydrogen is recognized as a highly versatile energy carrier, but its extraction and isolation from sources such as water, hydrocarbons, or biomass require advanced technological processes.
Green hydrogen, as an energy source, is gaining global traction and is considered instrumental in addressing the climate crisis caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Its notable advantages include being CO2-free, versatile in its applications, and having the ability to be stored and transported efficiently.
Colombia, with its abundance of clean energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power, is well-positioned to leverage these resources for the production of green hydrogen, both for domestic use and export purposes. Recognizing the benefits and diverse industrial applications of hydrogen, the Colombian government is prioritizing hydrogen as part of the country’s decarbonization efforts and its overall energy matrix.
The pilot project initiated by EPM marks an important step towards realizing Colombia’s potential in the green hydrogen sector. By exploring the capabilities and feasibility of hydrogen technology, EPM aims to contribute to the country’s energy transition, foster sustainable development, and position itself as a key player in the emerging hydrogen economy.
