Published
07/02/2026 às 08:48
Updated
07/02/2026 às 09:07
Green hydrogen in Colombia: production, hubs, and projects that put the neighboring country at the forefront of the global energy transition.
Green hydrogen is gaining prominence in Colombia as a fuel of the future, produced from renewable sources, with the goal of reducing emissions and boosting clean mobility. Since March 2022, Ecopetrol has started producing this fuel in the country, using solar energy and electrolyzers to transform water into hydrogen, offering a sustainable and low-environmental-impact alternative. Interest is growing as the country seeks to consolidate itself as a regional leader in the energy transition and attract investment in innovation and technology.
What is green hydrogen and why does it matter to Colombia and the world?
Green hydrogen is defined by the Energy Transition Law 2099 of 2021 as hydrogen produced exclusively from Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Sources (NCRS), such as solar, wind, geothermal, small hydroelectric plants, biomass, and tidal energy.
Unlike grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels, its production generates minimal greenhouse gas emissions, making it strategic for decarbonizing the economy and meeting global carbon reduction targets.
In Colombia, green hydrogen is seen as a key component for clean mobility, with vehicles capable of traveling over a thousand kilometers on a single charge and refueling in as little as fifteen minutes.
Furthermore, the fuel can be used in industry, electricity generation, and public transportation, offering multiple sustainable solutions.
Where green hydrogen is produced in Colombia
Colombia already has several green hydrogen plants in operation and under development. The first pilot project was installed at the Cartagena Refinery, using a 50-kilowatt PEM electrolyzer composed of 270 solar panels.
This project marked the beginning of green hydrogen production by the state-owned business group and served as a laboratory to test technologies and processes before expanding production on a large scale.
Another important hub is located in Medellín, considered one of the first in Latin America. It concentrates research, development, and innovation initiatives, with the goal of creating a complete value chain for hydrogen, from production to final consumption.
According to the Andi-Naturgas Hydrogen Chamber, as published in the newspaper La República in October 2023, the country had 28 projects, seven of which were in the testing phase, focusing mainly on mobility, including hydrogen-powered buses and specialized refueling stations.
Potential and prospects of Colombia in the global hydrogen market.
Colombia has enormous potential to become a leader in green hydrogen. Its privileged geographic location, combined with favorable regulatory policies, tax incentives, and investment plans, creates ideal conditions for attracting capital and technology.
According to the consulting firm KPMG, the country currently ranks fourth in green hydrogen production, with ambitious goals of reaching up to 20 megatons per year by 2030.
The Colombian government is relying on international cooperation to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen, including technology transfer, project financing, and opening export routes.
At the same time, there are R&D policies aligned with industrial policy, allowing Colombia to build a robust and competitive domestic market capable of generating jobs and consolidating its position on the global stage.
Why Colombia could lead the energy transition in Latin America.
With operational production hubs, regulatory incentives, and ambitious goals, Colombia is well-positioned to become a regional leader in clean energy. Green hydrogen is not just a technological solution, but a strategic opportunity to diversify the energy matrix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and boost sustainable economic development.
The country is moving towards a future in which transport, industry, and energy generation benefit from an efficient, clean, and rapidly refueling fuel, placing Colombia at the forefront of the global race for green hydrogen.
