According to Juan Walker, Founder and CEO of FreePower Group, “This project represents a significant step in the right direction not only for green hydrogen but also for Chile, positioning it as a competitive and relevant player in this industry’s global market. This agreement will enable the harmonious and sustainable development of the necessary infrastructure for the storage, handling, and transportation of this resource.”
Chile, July 2023 – The National Petroleum Company (ENAP) has taken another major step in fostering the development of the green hydrogen industry in Chile. ENAP has signed an agreement with six international energy companies to transform the Gregorio Maritime Terminal into the largest industrial complex in the Magallanes region, thus facilitating the production and commercialization of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
In its initial phase, this agreement will enable feasibility studies for the project, assessing the construction and operational requirements for a new maritime terminal for unloading equipment, as well as new storage and export facilities for final products.
The strengthening of Gregorio aligns with the announcement made in April regarding the Laredo port, also located in the same region. At that time, ENAP signed an agreement with three international companies. This development allows for the acceleration of the green hydrogen industry by repurposing and adapting existing infrastructure, reducing environmental impacts, and speeding up implementation timelines through collaborative efforts.
The event, held at the aforementioned terminal located in Punta Delgada, San Gregorio, was attended by Jorge Flies, Governor of Magallanes; José Ruiz, Presidential Delegate; representatives from the signing companies (Total Eren Chile, HIF Chile, FreePower Group, EDF Group, RWE, and HNH Energy); ENAP Board President Gloria Maldonado; ENAP General Manager Julio Friedmann; and union leaders, among others.
“The signing of this joint development agreement is a significant milestone for us as a state-owned company, as it strengthens our foundational role in contributing to the strategic development of the country, its economy, and the general well-being of citizens, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability,” said Gloria Maldonado, ENAP Board President.
This agreement stems from ENAP’s strategy to unite efforts that will enable the development and transformation of regional infrastructure, positioning Magallanes as a leader in driving green hydrogen in Chile. “We are convinced that public-private partnerships are the way to facilitate the energy transition that Chile needs,” said ENAP General Manager Julio Friedmann. He added, “This agreement is part of our Enabling and Integrating Infrastructure Plan, which aims to repurpose ENAP’s industrial facilities at Laredo, Gregorio, Cabo Negro, and Bahía Gente Grande to address the logistical needs of H2v production, utilizing existing assets and facilities as part of the 2023-2027 Business Plan.”
Regarding the Laredo Terminal, the agreement signed this year involves ENAP, Total Eren, HIF Chile, and HNH Energy. The goal is to transform the Laredo terminal into the first industrial hub for green hydrogen in the region. In March, ENAP also announced its own project to generate the first H2v molecules by 2025 at Cabo Negro, using renewable energy from the Vientos Patagónicos wind farm, where ENAP is the majority partner.
ENAP’s plan includes providing open access to infrastructure and market-driven tariffs for various H2v projects. “The possibility remains open for other companies to join this collaborative effort to strengthen the port capacity in the Magallanes region,” concluded Friedmann.
“We look forward to advancing infrastructure development in San Gregorio, with a focus on creating common infrastructure that enables the industry while generating synergies to minimize unnecessary socio-environmental impacts. This new step in public-private collaboration is a clear signal of the cooperative approach we aim to implement in Magallanes, enabling the creation of a new maritime terminal using the company’s historical facilities, adapted to the demands of the new industry,” commented Antoine Liane, General Manager of Total Eren Chile.
“The development of the green hydrogen sector challenges us to explore multiple options that can enhance a complementary port system through the use of existing infrastructure and the construction of new facilities, providing the resilience the industry needs. We value the opportunity to collaborate again with ENAP in a project that will proceed alongside the work we have been doing for over two years as HNH Energy in the development of a private port solution open to public use for multiple projects in the region,” said Pablo Schoennenbeck, representative of HNH Energy.
Matías Steinacker, CEO of EDF Renewables Chile, representing EDF Group (Électricité de France), highlighted this public-private initiative as a concrete signal that companies are considering the region’s concerns and as an excellent step demonstrating collaboration and synergy in developing a sustainable industry.
Victor Turpaud, Regional Manager for Latin America at HIF Global, noted, “This agreement marks another important step in advancing the industry in Magallanes. It also demonstrates a virtuous alliance, where the public and private sectors work together not only to develop green hydrogen but also to bring new opportunities to the region and fight climate change with clean energy.”
For Juan Guillermo Walker, Founder and CEO of FreePower Group, “This project is a crucial step in the right direction for the future of not only green hydrogen but also for Chile to become a competitive and relevant player in the global market. This agreement will allow for the harmonious and sustainable development of the infrastructure needed for the storage, handling, and transportation of this resource.”
Alfredo Zañartu, Country Manager for Chile at RWE, stated that the agreement with ENAP and, by extension, with the Chilean government, is essential for realizing the immense potential the country has, especially in the Magallanes region, to become a global leader in exporting green hydrogen and its derivatives. “Undoubtedly, the public-private alliance, especially considering ENAP’s existing infrastructure in the region, is key to achieving this, and as a company, we are excited to participate in this agreement through our ‘Vientos Magallánicos’ green ammonia production project, located in the Laguna Blanca commune,” explained Zañartu.
Source: Radio Polar de Magallanes
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