December 11, 2020 #Business & Exports

Chile's enormous potential for developing green hydrogen

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Green hydrogen, great potential in Chile

Production of what is being called the "fuel of the future" will be key to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

A water molecule is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Through a chemical process known as electrolysis, the hydrogen atom can be separated from the water molecule and used as fuel. When this process is fed by renewable energy, it produces what is known as green hydrogen - a clean, zero-emission fuel that is environmentally friendly.

Chile has great potential for developing green hydrogen thanks to our country's increasingly renewable energy matrix. This matrix is the result of Chile's tremendous natural resources for generating solar and wind power, such as the Atacama Desert in the north and the winds blowing along our thousands of kilometers of coastline.

Green hydrogen, also known as the "fuel of the future", will play a fundamental role in achieving Chile's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Estimates suggest this power source could mitigate carbon dioxide emissions by between 17% and 27% by that date and will help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels like oil and gas.

According to the Energy Ministry, the domestic green hydrogen industry could become a new hub of progress for Chile, similar to today's copper industry. Currently, the government is working on a National Green Hydrogen Strategy, to be presented in November. Once unveiled, Chile will join the small group of countries with a road map on this topic, which is key for sustainable economic development and environmental protection.

 

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