Uruguay's Bold Move Towards a Green Hydrogen Revolution
Montevideo, Tuesday, 4 February 2025.
Uruguay leverages wind and solar to become a green hydrogen leader, focusing on decarbonising sectors and driving sustainable development and economic growth. This strategy places Uruguay at the forefront of Latin America’s green energy transition.
Setting Ambitious Targets
I’m excited to share Uruguay’s remarkable vision for green hydrogen development. The country has set impressive targets, aiming to achieve 18 GW of renewable energy capacity and 9 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2040 [1]. What’s particularly inspiring is the projected annual revenue of USD 1.9 billion from hydrogen exports by 2040, along with the creation of over 30,000 direct skilled jobs [1].
Pioneering Projects Taking Shape
The country’s commitment is already materializing through concrete projects. The groundbreaking Kahiros project, set to launch in 2026, will be Uruguay’s first green hydrogen plant. It’s fascinating to see how this USD 38.6 million initiative will combine a 2 MW electrolyser with a 4.8 MW solar farm to power six Hyundai fuel-cell trucks [1]. This pilot project exemplifies Uruguay’s practical approach to sustainable transportation.
Strategic Powershoring Advantage
What makes Uruguay’s position particularly strong is its alignment with the emerging concept of powershoring [3]. As someone following energy trends, I find it remarkable how Uruguay’s abundant renewable resources and strategic location make it an ideal candidate for this new approach to industrial production. The country’s nearly fully renewable electricity matrix positions it perfectly to attract international investment and support global decarbonization efforts [3].
International Support and Collaboration
The European Union’s commitment to Uruguay’s green hydrogen journey is noteworthy, with a EUR 2 million non-refundable contribution for developing the country’s green hydrogen roadmap [1]. This international backing demonstrates global confidence in Uruguay’s potential to become a key player in the renewable energy landscape.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, I see Uruguay’s green hydrogen strategy as a transformative force for both the country and the region. The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining’s authorization for ANCAP to bid on offshore wind blocks capable of generating up to 3 GW of power showcases the country’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure [1]. This comprehensive approach to sustainable development positions Uruguay as a pioneer in Latin America’s transition to clean energy.