Colombia advances in green hydrogen: 36 projects to reduce emissions by 51% and diversify its economy

The race for green hydrogen in Colombia is gaining speed. The country has moved from pilot projects to a robust portfolio encompassing 36 initiatives, eight of which are already operational. These projects are exploring applications in sectors such as mobility, industry, and fertilizer production, according to information from the Hydrogen Chamber of ANDI and Naturgas.

Green hydrogen: a boost for Colombia and the world

The concept of green hydrogen in Colombian legislation refers to hydrogen generated exclusively from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal, differentiating it from gray hydrogen that relies on fossil fuels. This type of hydrogen is crucial for reducing emissions from sectors like steelmaking and heavy transport, which are difficult to electrify.

Colombia pursues two important goals through green hydrogen: reducing its emissions by 51% by 2030 and diversifying an economy dependent on oil and coal, leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources.

The starting point for green hydrogen production in Colombia was the Cartagena Refinery, where the Ecopetrol Group installed a solar-powered electrolyzer in 2022, capable of generating 20 kilograms of high-purity hydrogen daily.

Medellín is also standing out with one of the first hydrogen hubs in Latin America, focusing on research and development of industrial and transportation projects.

In the mobility sector, Bogotá has taken a step forward with the implementation of hydrogen buses in its mass transit system, TransMilenio, and the creation of a hydrogen corridor to connect production projects with transport routes.

According to the Hydrogen Chamber ANDI Naturgas, Colombia had 28 projects by 2023, seven of which were in the testing phase. By 2025, this figure rose to 36, pointing to a rapid learning curve.

The country has established a roadmap to achieve a production of 120 thousand tons of low-emission hydrogen by 2030 and up to 1.85 million tons by 2050, with an increasing focus on exportation.

Colombia has robust fiscal incentives for the development of green hydrogen, such as special deductions and exemptions from VAT and tariffs, aiming to attract long-term investments.

Finally, thanks to its abundance of renewable resources, a favorable regulatory framework, and an ambitious export strategy, Colombia has the potential to be a leader in the region’s energy transition.