Nine companies, including Ecopetrol, will be part of this pilot plan launched by Andi and Naturgas. We’ll tell you what it consists of.
In the context of the country’s first Hydrogen and Energy Efficiency Congress, held at the Cartagena Convention Center, the National Association of Entrepreneurs of Colombia (Andi) and the Colombian Natural Gas Association (Naturgas) announced the launch of the first hydrogen corridor in Colombia. This initiative is aimed at transforming the future of transportation in the country and playing a significant role in the commitment to sustainability.
“The hydrogen corridor is not just a concept; it is about rethinking how we transport cargo in a country where over 95% of goods are moved by roads. As we all know, transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions,” comments Karen Peralta, Director of the Hydrogen Chamber Andi-Naturgas.
According to the figures, transportation plays a significant role in the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Close to 12% of the country’s emissions are attributed to transportation, and out of that 12%, 6% is related to freight transport.
“With this initiative, we are taking a very important step in decarbonizing the country, in order to transport goods with low emissions. The best way to do this is collectively. Imagine a network of refueling stations strategically located along a corridor of our country, where hydrogen trucks can quickly and efficiently fill their tanks. This is not science fiction; it is a reality that we are working hard to create, and the best way to do it is together,” adds the Director of the Hydrogen Chamber Andi-Naturgas.
To achieve this goal, the project will start with nine companies: Ecopetrol, Fanalca, Celsia Fem EnergÃa, Promigas, Linde, Terpel, EPM, and TGI, in order to progress in the first phase of defining the corridors and proposing financing schemes that contribute to the technological advancement of heavy-duty vehicles in the country.
“Five out of the seven hydrogen pilot projects are focused on mobility. It’s time to scale up and think about projects that integrate the value chain from hydrogen production to its final uses, allowing the country to develop productive linkages around hydrogen,” adds Peralta.
Significant actions have already been observed in the country. In early 2023, the first locally assembled hydrogen bus was inaugurated in Colombia, with local design and engineering. Part of the training effort will be directed towards generating 15,000 jobs in this sector.
“To make this vision a reality, we will need the cooperation of the government, industry, academia, and international collaboration. Collaboration will be our greatest asset. Together, we can decarbonize our transportation sector, reduce pollution, and lead in the adoption of renewable energy sources. To the sectors generating cargo, academia, government entities, and international cooperation, we extend this invitation to join us on this exciting journey towards a brighter and more sustainable future,” concludes Karen Peralta.
SOURCE: PORTAFOLIO
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