Chilean and European entities collaborate on green hydrogen pilot project in Antarctica

The German agency GIZ, co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, is implementing the Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Infrastructure pilot initiative at the Professor Julio Escudero scientific base of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) on King George Island. This collaboration aims to validate hybrid energy systems in one of the planet's most demanding operational environments, strengthening international technological cooperation and generating evidence for resilient energy solutions in isolated territories. The project, which has an approximate financing of 200 million Chilean pesos (around $215,000) for the design of the green hydrogen pilot plant, is supported by the Regional Government of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica and INACH. INACH acts as the base's owner and facilitates the technical implementation of the pilot, aligning with the National Antarctic Science Program standards. The initiative is part of a regional strategy to position Magallanes as an energy innovation hub, with the goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels in Antarctic operations and transferring learnings to other remote territories.

Counterparts (5)

Partner

German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

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The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) is a governmental body responsible for shaping Germany's economic and energy policy. It focuses on promoting economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness while ensuring a secure, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy supply.

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Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH)

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European Union (EU)

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The European Union, an economic and political union of 27 member states, manages a €1.2 trillion 2021-2027 budget and an additional €800 billion NextGenerationEU recovery fund, driving significant infrastructure investment across energy, transport, digital, and environmental sectors within its European geography.

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Regional Government of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica

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Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

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Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a German development agency that provides services in the field of international development cooperation. They work on behalf of the German government and other public and private sector clients to achieve development policy objectives.