Colombia is embarking on a transformative journey towards a greener and more sustainable energy future with the commencement of the H2 Tour Colombia in Barranquilla.
This groundbreaking event, organized by Hidrogeno Colombia, seeks to drive the development of hydrogen projects in the country by fostering collaborations and discussions among academia, industry stakeholders, government entities, and society at large. At the core of this initiative is the exploration of hydrogen’s vast potential to revolutionize the energy landscape, reduce carbon emissions, and spur economic growth.
As Colombia and the world grapple with the imperative of cleaner energy sources to decarbonize their economies, hydrogen emerges as a viable solution. Hydrogen serves as an energy vector, enabling the storage and transportation of electricity generated from renewable sources like water, sun, or wind. This flexibility positions hydrogen as a cornerstone in the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy ecosystem.
The H2 Tour Colombia is set to address critical aspects of hydrogen technology and its integration into Colombia’s energy landscape. The tour will span various regions, starting with the Caribbean, home to 16 out of the 28 hydrogen projects currently underway in the country, boasting a collective electrolysis capacity of 15 gigawatts. The event is planned to continue in the Andean region in February and culminate in the Pacific region in March, coinciding with the Third International Hydrogen Congress Colombia.
Beyond its environmental benefits, hydrogen holds the promise of substantial economic rewards for Colombia. Hidrogeno Colombia estimates that the adoption of hydrogen technologies could attract investments exceeding $20 billion and create over 11,200 jobs. The focus will extend to infrastructure development, including port facilities tailored for hydrogen exports, adapting existing infrastructure, enhancing electrical networks, and harnessing non-conventional renewable sources for hydrogen production.
During the tour, several key areas will be prioritized. Authorization for hydrogen export will take center stage, with a keen focus on expanding international sales. Colombia’s hydrogen production, currently predominantly used in refineries (84%) and fertilizer production (12%), presents an opportunity for global market penetration.
Structuring the inaugural hydrogen fund and its derivatives will be another critical focus area. This fund aims to accelerate hydrogen-related projects and innovations in Colombia. The event will also emphasize recognizing local demand, promoting hydrogen awareness, and delving into new tax incentives to further incentivize hydrogen development.
The H2 Tour Colombia signifies Colombia’s commitment to a sustainable energy transition. Hydrogen, as an energy vector, holds the promise of reshaping the nation’s energy landscape, reducing carbon emissions, and propelling economic growth. As the tour unfolds, stakeholders from diverse sectors will converge to explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating hydrogen technology into Colombia’s energy mix, forging a path towards a cleaner and more prosperous future.
