Renewable and low-carbon hydrogen plays a pivotal role in Chile’s energy transition, and the government has taken significant steps to regulate its production, storage, and consumption. In 2020, Chile emerged as a regional leader by introducing its National Green Hydrogen Strategy, which set the initial guidelines and targets to drive the industry forward. Since then, the country has made notable regulatory strides, including the launch of the Green Hydrogen Action Plan 2023-2030, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the sustainable development of the hydrogen sector and its derivatives. This progress is driven by coordinated efforts between various ministries and agencies, reaffirming the importance of a solid regulatory framework.
On Thursday, 12 September, the Chilean government presented the Work Plan for Enabling Regulations for the Development of the Hydrogen Industry in Chile 2024-2030. Spearheaded by the Ministries of Energy, Economy, Health, Transport and Telecommunications, and Mining, the initiative aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the entire hydrogen value chain. The plan outlines coordinated actions between the involved ministries and public entities, while fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. This initiative will have a direct impact on the development of projects by improving coordination between institutions, ensuring regulatory coherence.
As part of the presentation, a panel discussion was led by María de los Ángeles Valenzuela, Manager of Hinicio Chile, highlighting the opportunities this initiative presents for the development and expansion of Chile’s hydrogen ecosystem.
Presentation of the Work Plan for Enabling Regulations for the Development of the Hydrogen Industry in Chile 2024-2030 (María de los Ángeles Valenzuela) – Source: Achs Seguro Laboral
Valenzuela states, “The plan is crucial as it establishes a clear regulatory framework for the hydrogen industry, providing certainty for project development and ensuring the safety of people and their environment. With proper regulation, the burden of processing special permits will be eased for both developers and public institutions, reducing the time and costs associated with implementing new initiatives. This plan not only boosts innovation and technological development but also promotes the creation of high-quality jobs, productive linkages, and the strengthening of local capacities. In this way, Chile consolidates its position as a regional reference, allowing other Latin American countries to learn from its experience and adopt similar regulatory practices to promote their own hydrogen industries and advance in the energy transition.”
The Work Plan for Enabling Regulations for the Development of the Hydrogen Industry in Chile is grounded in the transfer of hydrogen-related responsibilities to the Ministry of Energy, in line with the amendment of Decree Law 2.224 of 1978 (as modified by Law 21.305 on energy efficiency). This initiative involves the creation of new regulations and the updating of existing ones, enabling innovative uses for hydrogen across the production chain while facilitating investment in projects for both domestic consumption and export.
Do you have questions about the hydrogen market in Chile and need advice for your projects? Contact us: chile@hinicio.com.
