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 This conference was held from June 5 - 7, 2024

Agenda

  • 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.

Tuesday

June 4
9:00-2:00

HIF Site Visit – Magallanes, Chile (AT FULL CAPACITY)

Site visit to the HIF project in the Magallanes region of Chile encompassing Haru Oni and Cabo Negro.

Wednesday

June 5
8:00-9:00

Registration, Coffee & Networking

9:00-9:10

H2LAC 2024 Welcome Remarks

9:10-9:30

Host Country Keynote Address

Hosted by: Maria Florencia Attademo-Hirt

  • Diego Pardow

    Chile
    Minister of Energy

9:30-10:00

The Year in Review: The New Energy/Hinicio 2024 Hydrogen Index for Latin America & the Caribbean

Plus: audience polling to establish objectives and goals for the year ahead and H2LAC 2024

  • Francisca Salas

    New Energy Events
    Green Hydrogen Program Director

  • German Villarroel

    Hinicio
    Head of Hinicio Chile

10:00-11:00

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?
  • What are the key drivers of competitiveness?

  • Bart Biebuyck

    Green Energy Park Global
    CEO

  • Enrique Rodriguez Flores

    European Investment Bank (EIB)
    Principal Advisor

  • Jörgen Sandström

    World Economic Forum
    Head, Transforming Industrial Ecosystems Program, Centre for Energy and Materials

  • Marcela Silva

    The World Bank
    Regional Director for Infrastructure, Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Maria Florencia Attademo-Hirt

    Inter-American Development Bank
    General Manager for the Southern Cone Country Department Moderator

11:00-11:30

Coffee Break & Networking

11:30-12:30

Latin American Leaders Panel

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?

  • Mariela Beljansky

    Secretariat of Energy, Ministry of Economy, Argentina
    Undersecretary of Transition and Energy Planning

  • María José González

    Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining, Uruguay
    Head of the Green Hydrogen Program

  • Rosilena Lindo Riggs

    Ministry of Energy, Panama
    National Secretary of Energy

  • Ana Maria Ruz

    Chilean Economic Development Agency - CORFO
    Green Hydrogen Specialist

  • Dr. Marcelino Madrigal Martínez

    INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (IDB)
    Head of the Energy Division Moderator

12:30-1:30

Chile Spotlight: Maintaining the Momentum

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?

  • Marcos Kulka

    H2 CHile
    Executive Director

  • Gloria Maldonado

    ENAP
    President

  • Gonzalo Moyano

    MAE
    CEO

  • Luis Sarras

    AES
    Green Hydrogen Managing Director, International Businesses

  • Victor Turpaud

    HIF Global
    LATAM Regional Manager

  • Blanca Torrico

    Inter-American Development Bank
    Specialist in the Competitiveness, Technology, and Innovation Division Moderator

1:30-3:00

Networking Lunch

3:00-3:50

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?

  • Fernando Cubillos

    CAF DEVELOPMENT BANK FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
    Manager of New Business

  • Carlos Lopez Rabadan

    BBVA Bank
    Head Project Finance South America

  • Elizabeth Robberechts

    IDB Invest
    Chief of Infrastructure and Energy Division

  • David Velasco

    SMBC Group
    Executive Director - Head Project Finance, Chile, Latin America Department

  • Yunyeong Yang

    Green Climate Fund
    Climate Investment Specialist

  • Karla Flores

    Invest Chile
    Executive Director Moderator

3:50-4:35

Brazil Spotlight

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.

  • Jose Aldemir Freire

    Banco do Nordeste do Brasil
    Director of Planning

  • Patricia Naccache

    Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil (MME)
    Deputy Director for Energy Transition

  • Roseane Oliveira de Medeiros

    Government of the State of Ceara
    Secretary of State for International Relations

  • Rafael Serpa

    Neuman & Esser Brasil
    General Manager, Sales and Application

  • Carlos Antonio Costa

    The World Bank
    Senior Energy Economist Moderator

4:35-5:00

Coffee Break & Networking

5:00-5:40

Peru Spotlight

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

  • Daniel Cámac

    H2 Perú
    President

  • Rodrigo Pastor Amonarraiz

    Enaex Perú
    General Manager

  • Janina Franco

    The World Bank
    Senior Energy Specialist Moderator

5:40-6:30

Argentina Spotlight

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.

  • Juan Pedro Agüero

    RP Global
    Country Manager

  • Alejandro Aguirre

    Government of the Province of Tierra del Fuego
    Minister of Energy of the Province of Tierra Del Fuego, Antarctica, and the South Atlantic Island

  • Mariela Beljansky

    Secretariat of Energy, Ministry of Economy, Argentina
    Undersecretary of Transition and Energy Planning

  • Juan Agustín Bergna

    Y-TEC
    H2ar Consortium Specialist

  • Andrea Moraga

    University of Concepción – Chile
    Manager of the Hydrogen and Sustainability Unit of the Technological Research Institute (IIT) Moderator

6:30-8:30

H2LAC Awards Cocktail Reception

Announcing the winners of the annual H2LAC Industry Awards for Excellence!

Thursday

June 6
7:30-8:00

Registration, Coffee & Networking

Invitation Only
7:45-8:50

Financing Hydrogen Projects Around the Globe: Lessons Learned from Brazil, Chile, India, and Barbados

Breakfast Hosted by The World Bank

This breakfast delves into the different financing solutions that the World Bank is structuring to support the nascent clean hydrogen industry in Brazil, Chile, India, and Barbados. Through an in-depth analysis of the World Bank’s activities in these countries, senior energy experts will share invaluable lessons learned from the Bank’s support to governments in their journey to enable the conditions to ramp-up clean hydrogen projects, including investment projects, policy support, and technical assistance. Attendees will gain profound insights into actionable knowledge to navigate the intricate landscape of clean hydrogen financing, foster South-South dialogue and exchange best practices among policymakers and key industry stakeholders.

By invitation-only. Invitation requests are available via registration.

8:00-9:00

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. 

8:00-9:00

Hydrogen production systems: PEM and Alkalyne Electrolizers

Rise and Shine Roundtable

Sponsored by:

  • Andres Rolandelli

    Neuman & Esser Brasil
    Business Development Engineer Moderator

Power to Power

Rise and Shine Roundtable

Use of hydrogen for the production of electricity for isolated areas, storage and replacement of diesel in thermoelectric plants

  • Cristina Martin

    HDF
    Vice President, Latin America Moderator

8:00-9:00

Water Desalination in Electrolysis Process

Rise and Shine Roundtable

  • Rafael Palacios

    Chilean Association of Desalination and Reuse (ACADES)
    Executive Vice President Moderator

  • Jorge Poblete Aedo

    WeTechs Chile
    CEO Moderator

Magallanes Hydrogen Hub

Rise and Shine Roundtable

A Hub to provide the global market with hydrogen and its derivates

  • Helmut Kantner

    AustriaEnergy
    Managing Director Moderator

  • María José Navajas Domínguez

    Corfo Magallanes
    Regional Director Moderator

8:00-9:00

Natural Hydrogen (White H2)

Rise and Shine Roundtable

Innovations in Exploration and the current state in Latin America and the Caribbean

Sponsored by:

 

  • Marco Nieto

    XCALIBUR SMART MAPPING
    Business Development Manager Moderator

CCS Uses & Technology

Rise and Shine Roundtable

  • Paola Carvajal Blanco

    Baker Hughes
    Business Development and Sales Manager for Climate Technology Solutions Moderator

9:00-9:05

Day Two Welcome Remarks

  • Ioana Marins

    New Energy Events
    Director - Business Development, Hydrogen & Decarbonization

9:05-9:50

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?

  • Fernando Cubillos

    CAF DEVELOPMENT BANK FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
    Manager of New Business

  • Gabriela Elizondo

    The World Bank
    Practice Manager, Energy Sector, Latin America and Caribbean

  • Christiaan Gischler

    Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
    Lead Energy Specialist

  • Alexandre Staff Varela

    European Investment Bank
    Head of Regional Representation Office for Latin America

  • Rodrigo Lobos Roldán

    Enel Green Power
    Green Hydrogen Business Developer For Latam Moderator

9:50-10:30

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?

  • Dolf Gielen

    The World Bank
    Senior Energy Economist and Hydrogen Lead

  • Ana Maria Ruz

    Chilean Economic Development Agency - CORFO
    Green Hydrogen Specialist

  • Marcelo Miterhof

    BNDES
    Economist | Advisor to the Directorate of Infrastructure, Energy Transition and Climate Change

  • Christiaan Gischler

    Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
    Lead Energy Specialist Moderator

10:30-11:00

Coffee Break

11:00-12:00

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?

  • Mauro Andrade

    Prumo Logística
    Business Development Executive Director

  • Alvaro Arroyo

    Complejo Portuario Mejillones (CPM)
    General Manager

  • Ramon Castańeda

    PUERTO DE SAN ANTONIO
    General Manager

  • Hugo Figueirêdo

    Pecém Complex
    CEO

  • Dolf Gielen

    The World Bank
    Senior Energy Economist and Hydrogen Lead

  • Tanagna Lessey-Kelly

    National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited
    Business Venture Manager, Low Carbon Solutions - Sustainable Energy Development

  • Paulo Alvarenga

    thyssenkrupp South America
    CEO Moderator

12:00-12:30

Keynote Address

  • Dr. Ilan Goldfajn

    Inter-American Development Bank
    President

12:30-1:30

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.
  • How are Latin American companies, e.g. Codelco, working to “green” their supply chain & distribution networks using H2/green ammonia?

  • Jerónimo Carcelén Pacheco

    PPU
    Partner

  • Pablo Contreras

    Codelco
    Climate Action Manager

  • Tomás Ecclefield

    Punta el Monte
    CEO & Co-Founder

  • Marcela Bocchetto

    Anglo American
    Climate Change and Sustainability Manager

  • Carlos Mancilla

    AECOM
    Lead - Energy Business, Colombia and LatAm Moderator

1:30-3:00

Networking Lunch

3:00-3:30

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?

  • Christiaan Gischler

    Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
    Lead Energy Specialist

  • Vanessa Grunwald

    CCEE - Câmara de Comercialização de Energia Elétrica
    Specialist in Market Analysis and Information

  • Gaston Siroit

    OLADE
    Advisor to the Executive Secretary of OLADE

  • Nuria Hartmann

    Hinicio | WiGH SPOC in Chile
    Manager of Strategic Consulting Service Moderator

3:30-4:20

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.

  • Oliver Bornholdt

    Dräger Safety
    Global Business Development Manager Safety

  • Pablo Cubells

    AFRY Management Consulting
    Senior Consultant - Energy Markets

  • María José González

    Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining, Uruguay
    Head of the Green Hydrogen Program

  • Alex Santander

    Ministry of Energy Chile
    Director of Strategic Planning and Sustainable Development

  • Juan Camilo Zapata

    Ministry of Mines and Energy, Colombia
    Hydrogen Advisor

  • Pablo Tello Guerra

    GIZ
    Senior Technical Advisor Moderator

4:20-5:00

Decarbonizing Transportation: Fuel Cells, Batteries & E-fuels

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?

  • Fernando Castro

    Cavendish
    Energy Analyst

  • Felipe Cevallos Becker

    Reborn Electric Motors SpA
    General Manager

  • Jorge Ferrando

    Empresas Copec S.A.
    Corporate Strategy and Development Officer

  • Nicolás Laumet

    Airbus
    New Energy Business Developer

  • Paola Tapia Salas

    Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, Chile
    Metropolitan Public Transportation Director Moderator

5:00-5:05

Closing Remarks

Friday

June 7
8:00-10:00

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.

More information. 

Invitation Only
10:00-1:30

Government Roundtable

Inter-American Development Bank Workshop

10:00 – Welcome Remarks

10:05 – Presentation Latam Hydrogen Economy at a Glance

  • Guillermo Quinones, Managing Director – Colombia, Accenture Energy
  • Jörgen Sandström, Head, Transforming Industrial Ecosystems Program, Centre for Energy and Materials, World Economic Forum

Block I – 10:20-11:00

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?

10:20 – Presentation: CertHILAC: Standards, Transparency & Opportunities for Collaboration

  • Christiaan Gischler, Lead Energy Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank

10:40 –  Open Discussion with Q &A 

  • Christiaan Gischler, Lead Energy Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank, Moderator

11:00 – Networking & Coffee Break

Block II – 11:30 – 1:30: 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? 

11:30 – Presentation: Safety Enablers and Community Engagement 

  • Sara Kelly, Energy Officer in the Office of Energy Transformation, US Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources

11:45 – Presentation: Process Safety and Efficient Water Use for Green Hydrogen

  • Javier Hidalgo, Corporate Director of Business Development, INERCO
  • Carolina Sastoque. Director of Industrial Safety and Occupational Health, INERCO Colombia

12:10 – Presentation: Inclusion of communities as partners in the business. 

  • Juan Dumas, Co-Founder, Meliquina Social Equity 

12:25 – Human Capital

  • Veronica Alaimo, Lead Labor Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank

12:40 –  Open Discussion with Q &A 

  • Zachary D. Hurwitz, Group Head for Southern Cone, Environmental and Social Solutions Unit at the Inter-American Development Bank, Moderator

1:30 – Closing Remarks

  • Mariela Beljansky

    Secretariat of Energy, Ministry of Economy, Argentina
    Undersecretary of Transition and Energy Planning

  • Gustavo Adolfo Cazal Bogarín

    Vice Ministry of Mines and Energy, Paraguay
    Director of Alternative Energies

  • María José González

    Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining, Uruguay
    Head of the Green Hydrogen Program

  • Sara R. Kelly

    US Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources
    Energy Officer in the Office of Energy Transformation

  • Rosilena Lindo Riggs

    Ministry of Energy, Panama
    National Secretary of Energy

  • Alex Santander

    Ministry of Energy Chile
    Director of Strategic Planning and Sustainable Development

  • Victor Hugo Ventura

    Ministry of Energy and Mines, Guatemala
    Minister of Energy and Mines

  • Juan Camilo Zapata

    Ministry of Mines and Energy, Colombia
    Hydrogen Advisor

Additional Enrollment Required
10:00-1:00

CapEx of Power-to-X Megaprojects: Challenges and How to Deliver Top-Quartile Performance

A McKinsey & Company - New Energy Workshop

Co-hosted by:

As hydrogen projects advance, valuable insights into optimizing resources, enhancing financial viability, and streamlining execution timelines can be extracted. McKinsey & Co. brings their international experience to the CapEx of Power-to-X Mega-Projects Workshop, sharing their insights into how to optimize CapEx in hydrogen projects across Latin America.

More information.

  • Mark Bakker

    McKinsey & Company Amsterdam
    Partner | Global leader of capex megaproject delivery

  • Matthew Burkholder

    Tesla
    Former Director of Global Construction Procurement and Supply Management

  • Joe Dufresne

    McKinsey & Company
    Associate Partner

  • Hongbin Fang

    LONGi Hydrogen
    Head of Americas

  • Clemens Muller-Falcke

    McKinsey & Company Santiago
    Partner | Leader of McKinsey’s sustainability work in Hispanoamerica

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