Chile has set its goal of producing the cheapest green hydrogen on the planet and featuring with the top three exporters of the fuel two decades from now. If the plan is fulfilled, green hydrogen would make it possible to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and meet its 2050 carbon-neutrality target. This new energy strategy is based on Chile’s great wind and solar power potential, which would enable it to produce low-cost hydrogen fuel.
25% of Chile’s greenhouse gas emissions could be cut thanks to green hydrogen
In recent years, solar and wind energy have advanced considerably in Chile, but are far from reaching their maximum potential. The Atacama Desert in the north of the country has the highest solar radiation in the world. Meanwhile, in the extreme south of the country there is considerable and constant wind generation. These combine to represent a renewable energy potential 70 times greater than Chile’s current electricity generation capacity – equivalent to more than 1800 GW.
Energy minister Juan Carlos Jobet aid that Green hydrogen is a strategic opportunity for Chile. Chile country is the ideal place to produce and export green hydrogen and its derivatives, including ammonia, methanol and synthetic fuels. According to Chilean government estimates, the development of this industry could create close to 100,000 jobs and generate some US$200 billion in investment over the next 20 years. There could be even greater gains.
The strategy has three parts. The first will focus on large-scale domestic consumption, replacing the grey hydrogen used in the country’s refineries and introducing green hydrogen in long-distance passenger and heavy-duty transport.
Sources: Dialogo Chino (https://dialogochino.net/)
