Colombia as a Future Partner in the Hydrogen Sector

Colombia has excellent conditions for the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives—particularly thanks to its vast potential in the field of renewable energy. As early as 2021, the country became one of the first in Latin America to adopt a national hydrogen strategy. Its central goal is the decarbonization of its own economy. In the long term, however, the export of green hydrogen and its derivatives to Europe could also play an important role.

CatalHyst: Building a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy in Colombia

Against this backdrop, the BDI and ANDI-Naturgas—the hydrogen chamber of the Colombian business association ANDI—have launched the BMZ-funded CatalHyst project. It supports the development of a sustainable hydrogen economy in the regions of Bolívar, Atlántico, and Valle del Cauca. One focus is on strengthening ANDI as a central point of contact within the national hydrogen ecosystem. In addition, the project prioritizes the development of concrete projects and the promotion of business cooperation between the two countries. German companies can contribute in particular their technological know-how and industrial experience.

Exchange Along the Entire Value Chain

The delegation trip in early May provided an important platform for exploring opportunities for cooperation and deepening the dialogue. Participating companies included OPEX, Colibrí Energy, Ecopetrol, the Colombian Navy, and Monómeros. All are key players carrying out innovative projects in the hydrogen sector.
The program covered perspectives along the entire hydrogen value chain. Discussions with key industry players, including Siemens Energy, Everllence, Shell, and Salzgitter AG, provided valuable insights into decarbonization strategies and the technologies driving the energy transition. During meetings with the H2Global Foundation, KfW, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), the BDEW (Federal Association of the Energy and Water Industries), the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), and the TÜV NORD GROUP, the focus was on hydrogen strategies, regulatory frameworks, certification issues, and financing mechanisms.
The discussions underscored the great potential for German-Colombian cooperation in the hydrogen sector. It also became clear that close dialogue between business, politics, and institutions is crucial for advancing joint projects and building sustainable value chains.