Latin America is emerging as a key player in the global hydrogen economy, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources, strategic geographic positioning, and growing infrastructure to position itself as a major exporter of green hydrogen. Countries like Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina are developing national strategies to capitalize on this potential, with Chile leading the way through its National Green Hydrogen Strategy. These initiatives focus on harnessing renewable energy for hydrogen production, developing port infrastructure for export, and attracting foreign investment to scale up the sector.

Chile’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy, launched in 2020, is one of the most comprehensive roadmaps in the region. The strategy aims to produce the world’s cheapest green hydrogen by 2030 and establish the country as a leading exporter by 2040. Chile’s advantage lies in its exceptional solar and wind resources, particularly in the Atacama Desert and the southern regions of Magallanes. The Atacama Desert has some of the highest solar irradiance levels globally, while the strong and consistent winds in Magallanes provide ideal conditions for wind energy. These renewable resources enable low-cost electrolysis, a critical factor in making green hydrogen competitive.

Brazil is another major contender, with its vast hydropower capacity and expanding wind and solar sectors. The country’s National Hydrogen Program prioritizes green hydrogen production, particularly in the Northeast, where wind energy potential is high. Brazil’s existing industrial base and port infrastructure, such as the Port of Pecém, provide a foundation for hydrogen exports. Colombia has also entered the race with a roadmap that emphasizes its solar and wind potential in La Guajira and offshore wind projects. Argentina, meanwhile, is focusing on Patagonia’s wind resources and has begun pilot projects to explore large-scale hydrogen production.

Port infrastructure is a critical component of these strategies. Chile is developing specialized hydrogen export terminals, including plans in the ports of Antofagasta and Valparaíso. These facilities will handle liquid hydrogen or hydrogen carriers like ammonia, which is easier to transport. Brazil is upgrading ports like Pecém and Suape to accommodate hydrogen shipments, while Colombia is evaluating the port of Cartagena for future hydrogen exports. These investments are essential to ensure that production hubs are seamlessly connected to international markets.

Foreign investment is a driving force behind Latin America’s hydrogen ambitions. Chile has secured commitments from international companies, including partnerships with European energy firms to develop large-scale electrolysis projects. Brazil has seen interest from multinational corporations looking to leverage its renewable energy capacity. Colombia and Argentina are also engaging with foreign investors, offering incentives such as tax breaks and streamlined regulatory processes. These collaborations are crucial for financing the high upfront costs of hydrogen infrastructure.

Policy frameworks are being tailored to support these efforts. Chile’s government has introduced subsidies for electrolyzer deployment and streamlined permitting for hydrogen projects. Brazil is working on regulatory clarity to attract private sector participation, while Colombia has established a hydrogen roadmap with clear milestones. Argentina is focusing on public-private partnerships to accelerate project development. These measures aim to create a stable environment for long-term investments.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Scaling up renewable energy capacity to meet hydrogen production demands requires significant investment in transmission infrastructure. Regulatory harmonization across borders could facilitate regional cooperation, but differing national policies may complicate this. Additionally, ensuring that hydrogen production does not compete with other renewable energy applications will be critical to maintaining a balanced energy transition.

Latin America’s hydrogen strategies are ambitious but grounded in tangible advantages. The region’s renewable energy potential, combined with strategic infrastructure development and proactive foreign investment policies, positions it as a future leader in green hydrogen exports. While hurdles exist, the coordinated efforts of governments and private stakeholders suggest a promising trajectory for the region’s hydrogen economy. As these initiatives mature, Latin America could play a pivotal role in supplying clean hydrogen to energy-intensive markets worldwide.