Uruguay marine green hydrogen plans advance

Uruguay is advancing a plan to produce green hydrogen using electricity generated by offshore wind farms and could launch an associated tender before 2025.

State oil company Ancap chief Alejandro Stipanicic told BNamericas earlier in the year officials were focusing on establishing a maritime production hub.

On Tuesday, Uruguay launched program H2U Offshore. 

“Today, Uruguay, via Ancap, takes a step into the future,” Stipanicic (pictured) said during a press conference.

Having production facilities offshore would avoid the need for port retrofitting and expansion work. 

As part of the scheme, Uruguayan officials are expected to meet with prospective investors. “Interested parties are asked to outline what benefits they will bring for the state, the eventual role of Ancap and a work plan,” Stipanicic said.

He added: “We hope to hold a round of consultations with companies to understand their expectations, so that they access our information and can complement their baseline information.”

Stipanicic said such work should take eight months to two years. “Following that, it is reasonable that we will launch a tender.”

Uruguay, which currently has a surplus of wind generation capacity, has estimated onshore and offshore wind potential at 30GW and over 250GW, respectively.

ONSHORE PILOT PROJECT

The country also has an onshore green hydrogen pilot scheme. A data room was opened this year and officials have previously said an associated bidding round could be launched this half for investment incentives spanning electricity supply and grid connection, as well as access to Ancap's infrastructure, land and technical support services.

Uruguay is seeking parties interested in investing in a production facility and a fleet of hydrogen-powered trucks and buses. 

In South America, Colombia, Chile and Brazil are also sharpening their focus on green hydrogen.