Colombia’s Minister of Mines, Irene Vélez, revealed her talks with EDP Renewables, during her visit to Portugal with President Gustavo Petro. Vélez said that EDP has shown a great interest in producing green hydrogen in Colombia. Colombia is promoting clean energy production, and its National Development Plan provides for “pioneering green hydrogen projects.” The government is giving top priority to this goal.
Irene Vélez said, “Being in Portugal was a great advantage because this country assumes itself as the producer of green hydrogen for Europe. Colombia could be the place where green hydrogen comes out of to export to Europe.”
Portugal is interested in collaborating with Colombia in renewable energy production. The Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa, confirmed new opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in renewable energies. “We see a huge opportunity in the development of the joint effort to support the energy transition, not only with renewable energies but also with regard to green hydrogen and other green molecules,” said António Costa.
Irene Veléz also added that the Colombian government is currently working on the execution of the construction project of what will be the largest wind farms in the country and which will be located in the region of La Guajira (Alfa and Beta Parks), which EDP is involved. The CEO of the Portuguese company has already assured that these projects with a capacity of almost 500 MW will start operating at the end of 2023, due to the delays verified. Miguel Stilwell also said that EDP’s bet in Colombia will be long-term.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is also a great advocate of the development of renewable energies in the country. He called on Colombia’s largest oil company, Ecopetrol, to “prepare and enter into force in the green hydrogen market.”
Promigas, a Latin American energy company that distributes natural gas to more than 15 million people in Colombia, is also interested in the green hydrogen market. It wants to produce this renewable gas to inject it into the country’s natural gas network.
The development of green hydrogen in Colombia could help the country reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, diversify its economy, and attract foreign investment. Colombia has good wind and solar resources, especially in La Guajira, making it an ideal place for investing in renewable energy.
The joint effort between Colombia and Portugal is a step towards achieving Colombia’s goal of being a pioneer in green hydrogen production and exporting it to Europe. The production of green hydrogen could help reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
