The foundation is thus being laid for joint research efforts to expand the hydrogen sector in the South American country, with a focus on the production of green hydrogen, green ammonia, methanol, and green fertilizers.

Colombia has embarked on an ambitious course for the development of the national hydrogen industry in the form of a hydrogen roadmap. This includes several regional hydrogen production sites and the strategic development of the industrial area of Cartagena as a potential future hydrogen hub thanks to its excellent wind and solar resources.

The future studies announced in the declaration of intent, which are to be carried out by researchers from Fraunhofer ISE, will supplement the current state of knowledge on hydrogen hubs and Power-to-X technologies. The signing of the MOU was also preceded by a binational dialogue on Colombian policy between academic and industrial representatives from Colombia and Germany. The result of this forum was the assessment that an economical and sustainable hydrogen supply chain from Colombia to Germany is possible.

»Turning away from conventional energy sources is a challenge that requires a global effort and cooperation between academia, politics, and industry at a supranational level. The memorandum of understanding consolidates and strengthens the existing cooperation,« explains Christopher Hebling. »With the aim of developing a competitive hydrogen industrial zone in Colombia and exporting hydrogen and its derivatives to Germany, we will use our expertise to investigate the feasibility and technological assessment of rapid implementation and efficient logistics for the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives in Colombia.«