The Ecuadorian Hydrogen Association (H2 Ecuador) is spearheading efforts to establish a National Hydrogen Strategy, driven by the goal of attracting significant investments and establishing a strong foothold in the global green hydrogen market.
With ambitions to export this energy vector to the European continent and beyond, Ecuador faces both opportunities and challenges on its path to harnessing the power of green hydrogen.
Aligned with the Green Hydrogen Roadmap of Ecuador, crafted collaboratively by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the IDB, H2 Ecuador aims to infuse USD 5 million in investments by 2030. This injection of funds seeks to propel two vital pilot projects that will not only drive foreign investment but also set the stage for sustainable growth in the green hydrogen sector.
Cristian Mejía, Director of H2 Ecuador, envisions a global landscape where Ecuadorian green hydrogen finds its place. While refraining from singling out specific countries, he highlights Germany as a compelling prospect due to its robust industrial sector and growing hydrogen consumption goals. Germany’s strategy to import 70% of its hydrogen consumption creates a unique opening for Ecuador to step in as a key supplier.
Apart from Germany, countries like Canada, Europe, the United States, China, and Southeast Asia present burgeoning opportunities for green hydrogen export. Latin America, with its promising energy matrix, holds tremendous potential to emerge as a significant producer.
In a race to harness the potential of green hydrogen, Ecuador finds itself at a crossroads. While speed is of the essence, haste can lead to missteps. Mejía suggests that being the first may not always guarantee success. Learning from the experiences of early adopters like Chile and Brazil, Ecuador aims to strike a balance between rapid progress and ensuring the safety and quality of its green hydrogen.
H2 Ecuador’s strategy revolves around the meticulous execution of the hydrogen roadmap. The roadmap delineates two critical phases: consolidation of the hydrogen ecosystem and its subsequent expansion. The emphasis is on skill development, particularly in specialized industries like mining. Rapid training of proficient technicians is vital to drive the industry forward. Additionally, raising awareness about green hydrogen’s global opportunities and participating in international fairs are key components of H2 Ecuador’s strategy.
