Three phases for hydrogen in Ecuador that includes an investment of $24 billion.
This industry can produce ammonia, methanol, synthetic fuels, and liquid hydrogen. The first phase would be from this year to 2030.
The Ecuadorian Association of Green Hydrogen H2Ecuador, created on July 27, identifies three phases of development of this alternative energy to fossil fuels for being friendly to the environment. This industry can produce ammonia, methanol, synthetic fuels and liquid hydrogen and according to the H2Ecuador analysis, investment in green hydrogen in Ecuador could generate up to $24 billion by 2050.
According to Christian Mejía, director of H2Ecuador, the path towards sustainable hydrogen production, which can be green and blue, has three phases. The first and second are related to the incorporation of hydrogen into the energy matrix and the strengthening of the hydrogen economy in the country. On the other hand, the third already contemplates a takeoff of the industry as such to see a future export.
- Thus, in the first phase (2023-2030) two pilot projects with an electrolysis capacity (splitting hydrogen from oxygen) of 100 kW are identified. But it is also required to produce hydroelectricity.
- In the second phase (2030 to 2040) work is being done to identify priority pilot plans. There is talk of an electrolysis capacity of between 1 GW and 6 GW. This would bring an associated investment of $368 million in 2030 and $2,692 million until 2040.
- In the third phase (2040 to 2050), already with an installed capacity of 6 GW of electrolysis, more investments of between $2,605 million and $24,000 million will come, indicates the Association.
However, of the great potential that has been identified, there are at least 21 suitable locations to establish renewable energy generation and green H2 production projects. In 2023, the industry is taking only the first steps.
Thus, the founding members of the Ecuadorian Hydrogen Association (H2Ecuador), together with the German Embassy in Ecuador and the Ministry of Energy, proposed the most immediate tasks to promote this important industry. These were discussed at an event last week, which was attended by the Vice Minister of Energy, Marcelo Jaramillo, Philipp Schauer, German Ambassador to Ecuador, heads of AHK Ecuador, senior business managers and other authorities from the private and academic sectors. .
Among the tasks was: advising the State on regulatory issues, technical training and communication of the importance of implementing this type of energy in the country. In addition, it was proposed to promote the investment of $5 million in H2 until 2030, especially for the identification of the two pilot projects in accordance with the Green Hydrogen Roadmap of Ecuador, carried out by the Ministry of Energy and the Inter-American Development Bank. (IDB).
The Ecuadorian Hydrogen Association has among its objectives the creation of a network with different actors and sectors for the exchange of information, education and training related to green hydrogen, linkage with comparable institutions outside of Ecuador, promotion of pilot projects within the country to demonstrate its applicability, advice on technical matters, security and certification and implementation of the roadmap adopted by the Ecuadorian Government.
The Association explains that Ecuador, due to its geographical location, its vast advantage in terms of natural resources and other aspects, could become a hotbed of energy transition in Latin America, thus joining other Latin American countries that have already taken their first steps in the race as Mexico, Argentina and Peru. (YO)
Three phases for hydrogen in Ecuador that includes an investment of $24,000 million, August 4, 2023
