The Chilean economic development agency, known as CORFO, has announced that Fundación Chile will lead the creation of the Green Hydrogen Technology Center in southern Chile. This ambitious project focuses on equipping the region with the infrastructure, technological capacities, and skilled workforce needed to support the growth of the green hydrogen industry and its supply chain. 

On this initiative, Fundación Chile will work with important partners like the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), the University of Chile, Adolfo Ibáñez University, the Chilean Energy Sustainability Agency, and HUB FPYME Magallanes. Local companies such as ENAP, EDELMAG, HNH Energy, HIF, Consorcio Austral, EDF, and TEG Chile will serve as associates of the Center. 

Nicolás Grau, Chile’s Minister of Economy, highlighted the project’s importance: “Turning Magallanes into a sustainable industrial center for green hydrogen requires progress in many areas. We are building skills, supporting local suppliers, and improving infrastructure. This Green Hydrogen Technology Center, with a $6 billion Chilean pesos investment (about €5.84 million), will tackle the challenges faced by the industry.” 

The Center aims to adjust technology to the unique conditions of the Magallanes region, connect companies and universities, and encourage the use of new technologies. These goals will be met through testing sites, pilot projects, scaling programs, and training programs for future workers. 

Fernando Hentzschel, Technological Capabilities Officer at CORFO, added: “We hope that by establishing this type of capacity in the Magallanes region, this new center will be able to attract more local and national stakeholders to its activities. It aims to set a standard for integrating various industry players in a responsible manner, ensuring the gradual growth of the sector while addressing environmental and social challenges through sustainable practices that benefit communities.”  

This project is part of the Sustainable Productive Development Program, supported by the Ministry of Economy and financed by CORFO. It is also part of the “Pacto de Magallanes” (“Magallanes Pact”), a public-private agreement to grow the green hydrogen industry in the region. This pact involves commitments from the national government, the Magallanes regional government, and local hydrogen project developers to create jobs, use resources wisely, and improve technology. 

Hernán Araneda, CEO of Fundación Chile, said: “This Center is a huge opportunity. It brings together leading companies in green hydrogen and partners from Finland, a country known for sustainability. It’s a privilege to support the region, its institutions, and its people in this groundbreaking initiative.” 

The Green Hydrogen Technology Center will focus on solving the specific challenges of the region, boosting local industries, and addressing environmental and social issues, including reducing climate change impacts and protecting biodiversity. 

About Fundación Chile 

Fundación Chile is a public-private organization that creates innovative solutions for major challenges in education, sustainability, and economic growth. With a history of impactful projects, the organization works with partners across industries to lead projects that benefit communities and the environment.