Where are this year’s breakthrough markets? Exploring opportunities in Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Ecuador – and region-wide.
Spotlight on Chile. Get a clear sense for the status of upstream and downstream hydrogen planning and projects across Chile.
Ports and the Maritime Industry in Latin America and the Caribbean. Are they prepared for the regional H2 race? What role will they play?
Focus on Demand-side & The Offtakers. Will LAC follow Europe and the US to support the development of demand? What do offtakers need to be able to commit to clean H2 from the region.
Mining is the largest local off-taker. What are their plans for decarbonization, and what role will hydrogen play?
Maritime transport worldwide has taken decisive steps towards green fuels, but is the region following suit and adopting the necessary infrastructure to provide this fuel to ships?
The New Energy Vector. What are the key drivers of change and what are the essential factors that need to be in place to accelerate the development of the industry?
Want to get involved in this year’s event? We’d love to hear from you.
Benchmarking Latin America and the Caribbean Against Global Progress
Latin America has made significant progress in the last two years in the development of a low-emission hydrogen market. How does it stack up against progress world-wide?
Who are the region’s main competitors in the international market?
Should the region focus more on developing a local market?
Strong political leadership is critical to the success of the region’s bid to develop a flourishing low-emission hydrogen market. Now we’re moving beyond national planning to implementation, what new challenges are we seeing? What can the public sector do to draw in the private investment that’s so critically needed? Are policy-makers focusing on the creation of an off-taker or export market – or both? Now the rubber is hitting the road, does political commitment remain strong?
Chile has led the pack in Latin America, driven by its vast renewable potential. However, as the initial excitement fades, new challenges have emerged, prompting a critical assessment of progress to date. All the while, new projects continue to be announced. Will Chile lead from the front as we enter the next phase of development across the region?
Is Chile internationally competitive?
Is enough being done to develop a local/regional market?
Developer perspectives: are they getting what they need from regulatory bodies and financial entities?
How attractive is Chile’s offering to the international market? Are derivatives such as green ammonia, methanol or e-fuels the optimal way forward?
Permitting needs to be fast-tracked; what mechanisms do we have to accelerate that process?
Inter-American Development Bank Specialist in the Competitiveness, Technology, and Innovation DivisionModerator
Networking Lunch
Project Spotlight: US$8.4bn NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, Saudi Arabia
This $8.4 billion hydrogen production facility in Saudi Arabia, the biggest in the world is a joint venture between ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM, underpinned by a 30-year off-take agreement for the entirety of the green ammonia produced.
Ana Muñoz, the Chief Legal Officer, will share insights on achieving the Final Investment Decision (FID) for this globally significant hydrogen project. She will discuss strategies for mitigating investment risks in clean hydrogen and explore how policy frameworks can facilitate the rapid and large-scale production of clean hydrogen. Ultimately, what can we as a region learn from the project?
NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC) Chief Legal Officer
The Financing Session: Making H2 More Bankable & Investable
Bankability is critical. What are investors and financiers looking for in prospective projects and how can developers align their strategies accordingly?
What criteria are investors prioritizing when considering projects?
What success stories can we point to across the region, with what lessons learned?
How critical are off-taker agreements and robust contracts?
How important are environmental and social impact issues as part of evaluation criteria?
Are there preferred financial structures that investors favor when evaluating low emission hydrogen projects?
Brazil stands at the forefront of the low emission hydrogen revolution. This session will explore the intricate dynamics and growing potential of Brazil’s bid for a thriving low emission hydrogen market.
– With over 2 billion euros committed by the European Union and additional support from multilateral institutions, we’ll explore these significant commitments and their implications for Brazil’s hydrogen industry.
– Federal and state leaders from Brazil will provide an in-depth look at the incentives offered by national and regional governments to foster the growth of the low emission hydrogen industry.
In the first half of 2024, Peru is set to unveil its Hydrogen Strategy. This session will offer an in-depth exploration of the upcoming strategy and its potential impacts:
- What are the key elements of Peru's Hydrogen Strategy, and what incentives are planned to boost green hydrogen production? The discussion will shed light on the collaborative efforts of the multisectoral committee in crafting the national strategy
A year ago, Argentina embarked on an ambitious journey with the launch of its Hydrogen Strategy. The aim is to achieve 5 million tons of hydrogen production by 2050, requiring an investment of approximately $90 billion. A significant portion of this production, about 80%, is earmarked for export. With the ushering in of a new administration at the end of 2023, critical questions have emerged regarding the future of this strategy.
Paraguay is poised to capitalize on its unique competitive advantages in the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives. An entirely renewable energy matrix, plentiful water resources, competitively priced land, tax incentives - Paraguay has a strong story to tell and sell. The plan is to supply green fertilizer to neighboring Argentina and Brazil—where projects are already making headway—and to deploy H2 for various other applications.
- What is the current status of the Atome project?
- What policy and regulations currently support H2 production? What is on the horizon?
- Who is funding the development of the market?
Vice Ministry of Mines and Energy, Paraguay Director of Alternative Energies
H2LAC Awards Cocktail Reception
Announcing the winners of the annual H2LAC Industry Awards for Excellence!
Rise and Shine Roundtables
H2LAC content coverage goes well beyond the main stage. Engage with like-minded individuals over the course of networking-enhanced roundtables. These tables facilitate networking with other delegates offering, seeking, and collaborating on similar projects/initiatives.
Hydrogen production systems: PEM and Alkalyne Electrolizers
XCALIBUR SMART MAPPING Business Development ManagerModerator
Day Two Welcome Remarks
The European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Implications for Latin America & the Caribbean
The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) represents a pivotal shift in global trade and environmental policy. This mechanism aims to level the playing field by pricing carbon emissions associated with goods entering Europe – including hydrogen. A representative from the European Commission will provide an in-depth explanation of how the CBAM operates, providing clarity on the mechanism’s structure, principles, and objectives. We will also explore the potential challenges and adjustments that regional exporters may face in light of this new policy.
Building International Partnerships to Drive Hydrogen Market Development in Latin America & the Caribbean
This discussion will explore how LAC can position itself as a strategic and viable partner for international markets in the burgeoning hydrogen economy.
What are the unique characteristics of the region that make it an attractive partner for international markets?
What strategies, policies, and collaborative approaches have been taken to maximize the potential impact of international partnerships in the hydrogen sector?
Enel Green Power Green Hydrogen Business Developer For LatamModerator
The Critical Role of the National Developments Banks: Corfo & BNDES
BNDES and Corfo are at the H2 rockface, driving forward investment in clean H2 in Brazil and Chile respectively. How do their strategies compare? Are they succeeding in accelerating the capitalization of projects? How important is alignment with the regional development banks? Where are they seeing successes and where are the hurdles?
Chilean Economic Development Agency - CORFO Green Hydrogen Specialist
Coffee Break
Hydrogen Infrastructure for Shipping and Ports
Latin American ports serve a threefold purpose: as H2 distribution centers, major hydrogen consumers, and potential green hydrogen producers. Their buy-in is essential if we are to develop a thriving hydrogen economy in the region.
Who are the first movers ?
What infrastructure investments are necessary to equip ports for hydrogen distribution?
What regulatory and financial support is required from authorities to facilitate this transition
What can we learn from global leaders e.g. Rotterdam?
National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited Business Venture Manager, Low Carbon Solutions - Sustainable Energy Development
Leveraging Hydrogen to Decarbonize the Regional Mining Industry
This session will explore the potentially transformative role of green hydrogen in reducing the impact of carbon emission of the mining industry in Latin America. The industry has made some progress in emission reduction through renewable energy contracts, yet the challenge of direct emissions—those produced by internal transport and certain operational processes—remains. Green hydrogen is emerging as a leading solution to address these direct emissions effectively. Key discussion points will include
the effects of high altitudes, dust, and extreme temperatures on the application of hydrogen technology in these settings
the feasibility of integrating hydrogen into underground mining operations, considering existing ventilation systems and adherence to strict safety standards.
Understanding the economics of H2 for mining operators
insights into the potential and practicalities of employing green hydrogen as a tool for sustainable mining practices in Latin America.
CertHILAC: The New Frontier for Certification in Latin America & the Caribbean
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched a voluntary hydrogen certification system for Latin America and the Caribbean. This program centers on the production of clean and low-carbon hydrogen within the region. It aims to meticulously track the origin of hydrogen while ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and social sustainability standards. To date, over 10 countries in the region have committed to participating in this system. Will this drive the competitiveness of regional H2 in global markets?
Hydrogen Regulations: Incentivizing Production and Demand in Latin America and the Caribbean
In a rapidly evolving industry, authorities across Latin America and the Caribbean are grappling with the challenge of crafting regulatory frameworks that not only foster the growth of the hydrogen industry but also provide investment certainty. With limited global precedents to draw upon, the region needs to act swiftly. Nations are approaching this challenge uniquely. Colombia is pioneering efforts by defining criteria for low-emission hydrogen and introducing fiscal incentives for production and technological adoption. Brazil is engaging in similar regulatory discussions, exploring frameworks that could shape the future of hydrogen in the region. Chile’s approach centers on streamlining processes, with new legislation aimed at reducing permit approval times by at least 30%.
What regulations are being considered region-wide to rapidly boost hydrogen production?
Which measures are under consideration to encourage the shift towards green hydrogen in industrial operations?
How are regulators planning to protect local communities and the environment?
What strategies are being implemented in legal frameworks to stimulate hydrogen demand?
How regulation can balance the economic and environmental goals in the development of green hydrogen projects.
Exploring the pivotal role of local communities as agents of change, capable of tipping the scales in favor of or against green hydrogen production.
This discussion delves into the future of transportation and the intersection of hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and e-fuels. What works best, in what context, with what infrastructure and what levels of investment?
Participants, on stage and off, will be engaged in a dynamic discussion that synthesizes the main takeaways from the day’s proceedings. The goal is to highlight the most promising opportunities and practical steps that can be taken to foster a sustainable and economically viable green hydrogen sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Key elements of this session include:
Identifying Actionable Steps: Focusing on realistic and immediate actions that stakeholders can undertake to accelerate the transition to a green hydrogen economy.
Setting Goals and Milestones: Outlining clear, achievable goals and setting milestones to track the progress of the green hydrogen initiative in the region.
Participants will leave with a clear roadmap and a sense of commitment to actively participate in the roll out of a scalable green hydrogen market in LAC.
H2LAC Women Network Program
The H2LAC Women Network Program aims to empower women, promote knowledge sharing, gender equality, and foster collaboration among women in the green hydrogen sector across our region. Men are welcome to attend.
Government Roundtable
Inter-American Development Bank Workshop
10:00 am – Certification: Standards, Transparency & Opportunities for Collaboration
The importance of clean hydrogen certification is increasing in the low-carbon economy, highlighting the need for clear and transparent standards. This workshop will address how we can improve international collaboration and accreditation in the context of green hydrogen, with a glance towards initiatives like CertHiLAC, aiming to elevate certification in Latin America and the Caribbean. What are the challenges and opportunities for certification that can help unlock the potential of clean hydrogen as a clean energy vector?
11:30 am – Coffee Break
12:00 pm – Ensuring Safety and Sustainability in the Green Hydrogen Value Chain
The successful implementation of clean hydrogen requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both operational safety and environmental sustainability. This workshop will explore strategies to tackle these challenges, including the importance of process safety and sustainable water use as key aspects within ESG practices. How can we promote the production and use of clean hydrogen that not only meets safety standards but also contributes to environmental and social sustainability?