In early March 2023, a German delegation led by the Ministers of Economy and Climate, and Agriculture and Food, visited Colombia with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and exploring collaboration opportunities in key areas such as green hydrogen and climate action.
During their visit, the ministers met with representatives of the Colombian government and the private sector to discuss potential partnerships in the production and marketing of green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source obtained through water electrolysis using renewable energy.
The visit of the German ministers highlights the international recognition of Colombia’s potential for growth and sustainable development through green infrastructure projects, such as green hydrogen production. Cooperation between Colombia and Germany in this area could lead to long-term economic and environmental benefits for both countries and help diversify their energy sources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and foster innovation in clean technologies.
Ecopetrol and its experience with green hydrogen
Colombia, rich in natural resources, has great potential for the development of renewable energies and green hydrogen production. The state-owned oil company, Ecopetrol, has been working on advancing green hydrogen projects in the country. In March 2021, Ecopetrol joined the International Hydrogen Energy Alliance (AIH2), an initiative that brings together leading companies in the global energy industry to promote hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source.
Ecopetrol has set ambitious goals for its green hydrogen production, including producing 1,000 tons of green hydrogen per year by 2025 and establishing a local supply chain in Colombia. In addition, the company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030.
By 2022, **[Ecopetrol](https://www.ecopetrol.com.co/wps/portal/Home/es/noticias/detalle/alianza-internacional-hidrogeno)** already showed considerable progress, having started green hydrogen production with a 50-kilowatt electrolyzer and 270 solar panels at the Cartagena refinery. Moreover, it sealed a series of alliances with international companies, including Siemens Energy from Germany, Total and EDF from France, Empati from England, and Mitsu & Co. from Japan.
