The Chilean Production Promotion Corporation (Corfo) recently announced two pivotal initiatives aimed at accelerating the development of the green hydrogen industry in the country.
The first initiative involves a Call for Proposals (RFP) to stimulate the manufacturing and assembly of electrolyzers and their components within Chile. This follows the conclusion of a Request for Information (RFI) process last year, which aimed to gauge interest from companies in producing or assembling electrolyzers. During this initial phase, nine proposals were submitted, indicating a strong interest in the burgeoning green hydrogen sector.
The current RFP seeks concrete proposals to establish factories and assembly operations on Chilean soil. Corfo will co-finance up to 60% of the total project cost, with a cap of ten million dollars per project. This initiative not only aims to attract international companies but also to encourage partnerships with national companies, thereby fostering local industry and technological capabilities. The deadline for proposal submissions is August 30.
The second initiative is the launch of a tender to establish the Technological Center for Innovation in Green Hydrogen of Magallanes. Scheduled to launch in June, this center will be the first of its kind in Chile, focusing on providing scientific and technological support to the green hydrogen sector. It will also play a crucial role in developing human capabilities, ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to handle the demands of this emerging industry.
National entities, including technological centers, universities, and technology-based companies, are invited to participate in the tender process. Participants will be required to contribute to the project’s co-financing, either through monetary or in-kind contributions. The selection of participants and the announcement of the award are scheduled for November.
Chile’s initiatives come at a time when countries worldwide are racing to develop their green hydrogen capabilities. For instance, the European Union has set ambitious targets under its Green Deal, and the United States has made significant investments through the Inflation Reduction Act. In this competitive landscape, Chile’s strategic investments are crucial for positioning the country as a key player in the global green hydrogen market.
Chile’s vast renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind, provide a significant advantage for green hydrogen production. The country’s geographic and climatic conditions make it an ideal location for renewable energy projects, which can power electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen efficiently and sustainably.
