Ecopetrol to Build Latin America’s Largest Green Hydrogen Plant
Massive Project to Slash Emissions and Elevate Colombia’s Energy Landscape
With a $28.5 million investment, Colombia’s leading energy company, Ecopetrol, is set to construct the largest green hydrogen plant in Latin America, situated at the Cartagena Refinery. The ambitious project is slated for completion and operational status in the first half of 2026.
Ecopetrol’s plan is ambitious, opting for a 5-megawatt facility capable of producing 800 tons of hydrogen per annum. The plant will run entirely on green energy sourced from the Cartagena Refinery’s existing 22-megawatt solar farm. The plant represents a significant leap forward in scale for Ecopetrol, boasting an installed capacity 100 times larger than its current operations.
The selection of a solar energy source highlights Ecopetrol’s commitment to sustainable practices, echoing their goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
Produced with a purity of 99.97%, the green hydrogen will be integrated into the refinery’s existing capacity to process fuels, offering a cleaner and more eco-friendly alternative to harmful fossil fuel methods.
This green hydrogen plant is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to those from 1,650 vehicles per year.
Reficar Electrolyzer. Photo:Ecopetrol
Ecopetrol anticipates this project will establish them as a leader in low-emission hydrogen production, solidifying their position among the top international companies pursuing a greener energy future. The projected output will contribute significantly to Ecopetrol’s goal for the low-emission hydrogen business line, expected to generate between $400 and $485 million in annual EBITDA by 2040.
“The project will incorporate knowledge from our Strategic Hydrogen Plan and pave the way for larger-scale green hydrogen projects outlined in our 2040 strategy. We are prioritizing the development of renewable energy sources, which are essential for our growth and the sustainable development of Colombia,” Ecopetrol stated.
This ambitious project comes at a pivotal time. Colombia’s burgeoning energy market forecasts a burgeoning need for green energy solutions.
Experts predict a surge in demand for hydrogen reaching 1.3 million tons per year by 2040, driven mainly by its use in sustainable mobility and industrial applications.
Ecopetrol is well-positioned to leverage this anticipated demand for green hydrogen.
The Cartagena project will solidify Ecopetrol’s position as a frontrunner in Colombia’s burgeoning energy sector.
The company has shown its commitment to green energy innovation by implementing three electrolysis pilots since 2022, resulting in bragging rights to the largest installed capacity of electrolyzers in the country.
* What are the potential economic benefits of this project for the Colombian economy?
## Ecopetrol’s Green Hydrogen Revolution: An Interview
**Host:** Joining us today is [Guest Name], an expert on renewable energy and sustainable development. Welcome to the show!
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Ecopetrol has just announced plans to build what will be Latin America’s largest green hydrogen plant. Can you tell us more about this groundbreaking project?
**Guest:** Absolutely. This is a truly significant development. Ecopetrol, Colombia’s leading energy company, is investing $28.5 million in this ambitious project at their Cartagena Refinery. This 5-megawatt facility will be capable of producing 800 tons of green hydrogen annually [[1](https://www.ecopetrol.com.co/wps/portal/Home/en/?1dmy&page=detailNews&urile=wcm:path:/ecopetrol_wcm_library/as_en/news/noticias-2021/green-hydrogen-production)]. That’s 100 times larger than their current green hydrogen operations!
**Host:** That’s a huge leap! What makes this project so important for Colombia and the region?
**Guest:** Several factors contribute to its importance. Firstly, it demonstrates Colombia’s commitment to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. This project aligns perfectly with Ecopetrol’s wider goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Secondly, the plant will be powered entirely by renewable energy from the Cartagena Refinery’s existing solar farm, making the hydrogen production process truly sustainable.
**Host:** So, what are the estimated environmental benefits of this project?
**Guest:** The green hydrogen produced will significantly reduce the refinery’s reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the emissions from 1,650 vehicles per year [[1](https://www.ecopetrol.com.co/wps/portal/Home/en/?1dmy&page=detailNews&urile=wcm:path:/ecopetrol_wcm_library/as_en/news/noticias-2021/green-hydrogen-production)]. This is a substantial contribution to Colombia’s efforts to combat climate change.
**Host:** This sounds like a truly transformative project. When can we expect to see it operational?
**Guest:** Ecopetrol aims to have the plant up and running in the first half of 2026. This gives them ample time to finalize construction and ensure everything is in place for smooth operation.
**Host:** Wonderful! Thank you so much, [Guest Name], for sharing your insights on this groundbreaking project. We’ll be sure to keep our viewers updated on its progress.
