Colbún SA, a prominent Chilean energy company, has revealed its groundbreaking green hydrogen production project known as H2V. This initiative is poised to revolutionize the cooling systems at the Nehuenco thermoelectric plant, situated in the Valparaíso Region, by replacing conventional gray hydrogen with environmentally friendly green hydrogen.
Colbún’s Nehuenco green hydrogen project represents a pivotal step in the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize its combined cycles and adapt to the challenges presented by the global energy transition. This innovative endeavor encompasses the construction of an in-house electrolyzer and a small solar plant boasting an installed capacity of 100 kW. These integrated components will work in harmony to produce green hydrogen on-site at the Nehuenco plant, setting a transformative precedent in Chile’s energy landscape.
The primary objective of this project is to substitute gray hydrogen, currently used for cooling Units II and III at the Nehuenco facility, with green hydrogen. What makes this shift towards sustainability particularly noteworthy is that it will require only approximately 30 liters of water per day to operate efficiently.
Once fully operational, the Nehuenco green hydrogen project is projected to yield significant environmental benefits. It is estimated to eliminate the emission of nine tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. This reduction in CO2 emissions seamlessly aligns with Chile’s commitment to mitigating climate change and transitioning towards sustainable energy sources.
Juan Pablo Fiedler, Colbún’s Green Hydrogen manager, underscores the project’s potential to advance technological knowledge, fortify supplier relationships, and enhance the overall performance and efficiency of green fuel utilization. This initiative embodies Colbún’s vision to integrate green hydrogen into various industrial processes, with Nehuenco setting the pioneering example.
Fiedler states, “At Colbún, we are convinced that green hydrogen will play an increasingly relevant role in many industrial processes. This project arises precisely from that vision, that is, identifying our industrial processes where we can use green hydrogen. And although Nehuenco will be the first, we have already detected other processes where we can advance in this same direction.”
Construction of the Nehuenco green hydrogen project is scheduled to commence in early 2024, with production anticipated later in the same year. Colbún has already initiated the procurement process for essential equipment, including electrolyzers, H2 storage tanks, photovoltaic panels, and control systems, underscoring its commitment to swift implementation.
Colbún’s venture into green hydrogen is part of a broader strategy. The company previously joined forces with the Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo to explore green hydrogen projects focused on ammonia production. This collaboration aims to harness renewable energy for the creation of green ammonia in the regions of Antofagasta and Magallanes.
Furthermore, Colbún has actively engaged in green hydrogen initiatives, forming alliances with various stakeholders, including the Santiago Airport and Komatsu Cummins, to explore the potential applications of green hydrogen in aviation and electromobility.
Colbún envisions a pivotal role in shaping Chile’s green hydrogen landscape, both for domestic consumption and potential export markets. The company is committed to fostering collaborations with producers and consumers of green hydrogen, propelling Chile’s transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources.
