Fraunhofer’s Research Paves the Way for Chile’s Hydrogen Hub

Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE, alongside its partners, is spearheading an initiative to establish large-scale production of green hydrogen in Chile.

This ambitious project, named “Power-to-MEDME-FuE,” not only focuses on the technical aspects of hydrogen production but also delves into economic, logistical, and socio-economic dimensions.

With an eye on Germany’s future demand for green hydrogen, the project aims to leverage Chile’s exceptional solar potential and stable economic conditions. The goal is to make Chile a significant contributor to the production of green hydrogen and derivatives, playing a central role in supplying climate-friendly energy sources to Germany.

As part of the associated “Power-to-MEDME” investment project, Linde GmbH plans to construct a pilot plant in northern Chile. This plant is designed to produce green methanol or dimethyl ether (DME) in the megawatt range, offering sustainable alternatives for the transportation sector and local industries. The required electricity will be supplied by a local solar thermal power plant.

To ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency, scientists are exploring innovative technological approaches. Digital twin simulations for methanol and DME synthesis are being employed to determine optimal technical processes, contributing to the ongoing optimization of the entire process chain. The project includes a thorough evaluation of various industrially available electrolysis technologies and considers seawater desalination as a potential heat source.

The research project emphasizes the establishment of expertise in Chile, recognizing the need for local specialists in constructing and operating production facilities. Targeted training programs aim to ensure a skilled workforce is available to support the scaling-up process.

Lars Metkemeyer from Fraunhofer Chile envisions considerable value in establishing a complete value chain for sustainable processes and technologies in Chile, describing the conditions as “ideal for upscaling and export.”