Power-to-X Colombia – Green Hydrogen and Derivatives Production

The study “Power-to-X Colombia” provides a comprehensive analysis of suitable regions in Colombia for large-scale onshore wind and solar PV parks and for the production of Power-to-X (PtX) energy carriers such as gaseous and liquid hydrogen as well as ammonia and methanol. Three main hubs for the production of PtX energy carriers have been identified, supporting Colombia's ambition to become a leading producer of green hydrogen and PtX energy carriers. 

The study also assessed the supply costs of these green energy sources in 2030 and 2040, taking into account transport from Colombia to Germany.

Colombia offers particularly favorable conditions to produce green hydrogen and its derivatives

Colombia has enormous potential for renewable energies. In addition to conventional hydropower and biomass, the country offers ideal conditions for the generation of solar and wind energy, both on land and off the coast. Due to these conditions, the country has the vision of becoming a key player in the green hydrogen economy.

The techno-economic analyses identified three regions as potential hydrogen regions using geographic information systems (GIS). The latter considered not only the nationwide solar and wind potential but also a range of other indicators, including terrain and land use, water availability, and existing infrastructure. The identified hydrogen regions are the northern region of La Guajira, the regions of Cartagena and Barranquilla, as well as Valle del Cauca and Cali.

Establishing a Colombian hydrogen backbone could be critical to decarbonizing the economy. This approach would optimize existing infrastructure, leverage regional resources for large-scale PtX applications, and put Colombia in alignment with its climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, while driving economic growth and job creation in renewable energy-rich regions at the same time.

Study Conclusions as basis for strategic actions:

• The planning and execution of targeted pilot and flagship projects are recommended.
• For regions lacking optimal wind and solar resources, the development of hybrid (green electricity + biomass based) Power-to-X concepts is suggested.
• The significant offshore wind resources in northern Colombia offer a viable alternative to onshore green electricity and hydrogen production.
• The Colombian education sector and workforce need to be reoriented towards the emerging green energy economy.
• There is a need for a continuous and intensified awareness campaign to highlight the opportunities and co-benefits that are associated with renewable energy projects in Colombia.
• To capitalize on the vast green electricity and hydrogen potential in northern Colombia and decarbonize the economy, establishing a Colombian hydrogen backbone along existing gas pipeline routes is recommended.

The significant potential of green hydrogen production offers Colombia a unique opportunity to advance its climate and economic goals. Green hydrogen supports Colombia’s transition away from fossil fuels by enabling the cross-sectoral integration of renewable energy, particularly in hard-to-decarbonize industries. In the medium to long term, Colombia could become a key exporter of green hydrogen, capitalizing on the growing global demand.