In celebration of International Women’s Day, we recognize the work and achievements of Fernanda Valdivia, Sustainability Manager at FreePower Group, who has dedicated her career to environmental management and sustainability. With a background in marine biology and a degree in environmental management, Fernanda has transitioned from academia and the aquaculture industry to the clean energy sector, reinforcing her commitment to environmental protection and the global energy transition.
Today, in the renewable energy and green hydrogen industry, Fernanda applies her expertise and leadership to the planning and development of sustainable projects, actively contributing to global decarbonization. Learn more about her journey, the challenges and opportunities in the sector, and the critical role of women in this transformation.
What inspired you to specialize in environmental sustainability?
After completing my studies in Marine Biology and taking various environmental courses during my university education, I realized that Chile’s environmental sector was still in its early stages. That’s when I decided to specialize in a field that would not only be crucial for the future but also deserved serious attention. I understood that for any project to move forward, it must meet high environmental standards, as sustainability has become a global priority.
You have worked in different sectors—academia, aquaculture, and now clean energy. How has this transition shaped your approach, and what key lessons have you applied to your current role?
My career began in academia, where I had the opportunity to apply my expertise, particularly in Marine Biology. I later transitioned to the aquaculture sector, specifically the salmon industry. Since entering this field in 2010, I have worked in Environmental Management and witnessed a growing awareness among companies about the need to align operations with environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance. At the same time, industry standards have become increasingly rigorous in Chile.
A year ago, I took the next step and moved into the renewable energy sector. This shift has allowed me to leverage my previous experience from a new perspective—engaging in project development from the earliest stages, before execution begins. Being involved from the outset has given me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to shaping these initiatives.
As a woman in the evolving green hydrogen industry, what has your experience been like?
My experience as a woman in the green hydrogen industry has been incredibly rewarding. This sector is actively creating opportunities for women to lead and drive change. I believe we bring valuable strengths to the table—technical expertise, strategic management skills, and the ability to organize and coordinate teams toward common goals.
What makes this work truly fulfilling is knowing that we are not only contributing our skills and experience but also advancing a cause that promotes a cleaner, more sustainable future.
From your perspective, how can green hydrogen drive global decarbonization?
Green hydrogen has immense potential in the fight against climate change. While hydrogen has been produced for decades, the key advantage of these projects is that green hydrogen is generated using electricity from renewable sources, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Since its production and use do not generate carbon dioxide emissions, green hydrogen is a critical tool in reducing global emissions and meeting international climate commitments, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement.
What is the current state of green hydrogen projects in Magallanes, and what role does FreePower play in this transition?
In the Magallanes region, multiple stakeholders are collaborating to accelerate green hydrogen projects. At FreePower, we actively participate in key initiatives, including a program led by CORFO, which focuses on identifying industry gaps and developing strategies to overcome them.
As co-developers of two major projects in the region, we play a pivotal role in the energy transition. Our expertise in renewable energy provides us with a competitive edge, enabling us to drive the successful implementation of these projects in Magallanes.
