CMPC and UdeC create an alliance to accelerate the energy transition to green hydrogen in the Region of Biobío.

The path toward an energy transformation has spurred many countries such as Chile that can obtain key competitive advantages to develop a National Strategy for Green Hydrogen; an emissions-free fuel produced using sources of renewable energy that contributes to carbon neutrality.  

Currently there is a series of productive industries whose main energy sources are fossil fuels. The energy transition requires training, innovation, financing and public-private alliances that include the citizenry for any change to become reality. 

The Region of Biobío has an important opportunity to play a key role in this energy transition in terms of innovation, productive processes, and transport in various industries along with an academic vision. 

This is why the Universidad de Concepción (UdeC) has created the Green Hydrogen Strategic Alliance for Biobío that intends to accelerate the energy transition of the region in conjunction with private businesses like CMPC and local authorities. 

“Launching this alliance opens up a number of opportunities to learn and build up the region as a productive and technological hub for green hydrogen that produces clean fuels for transportation and industry in addition to creating high-tech products and services along with new technology-based businesses and training human capital,” said UdeC Rector Carlos Saavedra. 

The CMPC Forest Bioenergy Manager Enrique Donoso was invited to present the CMPC perspective on green hydrogen. He said, “We see this as a very interesting vehicle to join forces and ideas for developing green hydrogen and all of its potentials within the region.”

He added that the company could play the role of prosumer (producer and consumer) of green hydrogen. “CMPC can be a key actor in green hydrogen given this dual role of possibilities, meaning our operations in the Region of Biobío can significantly support its development,” he added. 

Mauricio Henríquez from the Biobío Energy Ministry also participated in the launch ceremony. He said, “Our region has excellent wind resources for creating renewable electricity as well as logistical and port capacity, academics, industrial capacity, and more. This gives our region advantages for developing early experiences and pilot programs to help create a virtuous ecosystem. That is why this initiative is so important.”    

Donoso also supported the idea that by 2030 the company could “be promoters and leaders of clean energy in accordance with our sustainability goals, using fuel sources such as hydrogen in our production processes and mobile machinery. We can have a green hydrogen production plant and use it as the main fuel in for forestry operations.”