Colombia Opens Tender for Hydrogen Production Pilots under National Roadmap

Colombia is launching a nationwide call for proposals (CfP) to pilot low-emission hydrogen technologies. The initiative, part of the 2021 Hydrogen Roadmap, aims to decarbonize energy, boost local expertise, and support industrial decarbonization.

The CfP, open for 60 days, invites startups, utility operators, OEMs, and research institutes to propose projects deploying, tweaking, or trying hydrogen solutions. Key areas include:

• Scaling up renewable-powered electrolysis units.

• Blending green hydrogen with natural gas.

• On-site hydrogen storage.

• Fuel cell integration.

• Hybrid systems linking hydrogen production to carbon capture or bioenergy.

The government offers grants or low-interest loans covering up to 30% of capital costs, contingent on carbon reduction. Judges will evaluate technical, economic, and environmental aspects, favoring regional applicability.

The roadmap includes three phases: pilot projects from 2022 to 2025, scaling up hubs by 2030, and export-ready production by 2031. Renewable hydrogen costs are projected to drop to below $3/kg by the early 2030s. The initiative aims to reduce gas use and stabilize hydropower.

By 2030, targets include 500 MW of electrolysis capacity and 150,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. The 2025 CfP focuses on scaling up these technologies.

Promigas is leading a pilot at Mamonal/Heroica Station in Cartagena, blending green hydrogen with the gas network. By 2026, they aim to reduce CO₂ emissions by 18 tonnes annually. They collaborate with local universities and the GreenGas Alliance to gather data for CREG regulations.

The initiative aims to:

• Create jobs.

• Develop the hydrogen supply chain.

• Boost regional growth.

• Refine safety standards and emissions accounting.

Major funding comes from the European Investment Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Public-private partnerships will scale up pilots to commercial plants.

CREG is drafting regulations for hydrogen blending, with initial caps at 2%, increasing to 10%–20% at demo sites. Proposals must comply with these standards.

Alkaline electrolyzers are favored for reliability and cost-effectiveness, while PEM systems are suitable for variable renewables. Key metrics include 60%–70% energy efficiency and modular designs. Grid stability will be improved with battery buffers or hybrid renewable setups.

Colombia's geography—strong winds, high-altitude solar, and a developed gas network—positions it well for hydrogen production. With 3.7 million natural gas users, significant domestic and export potential exists. Colombia's approach could serve as a model for other emerging economies.

Challenges include adapting pipelines, workforce shortages, land-use disputes, and community pushback. Financing depends on long-term offtake deals, and cost declines in electrolysis and renewable energy are crucial. Robust risk assessments and insurance will be essential.

Results from the CfP are expected by Q2 2026, leading to pilot projects. Successful pilots could drive local industrialization and position Colombia as a key player in the hydrogen supply chain.