On August 11, 2025, Colombia announced that a total of 36 low-emission hydrogen projects are now underway, spanning the Caribbean, Andean, and Pacific regions of the country. Representatives from industry, academia, and government convened to highlight the importance of creating a regulatory framework for low-emission hydrogen, along with guidelines for “white hydrogen”—naturally occurring hydrogen produced without emissions. The Minister of Mines and Energy, Edwin Palma, framed these initiatives as part of Colombia’s broader clean-energy transition and its strategic alignment with European energy and climate goals.
A standout initiative within this wave is Ecopetrol’s Coral project, which is set to become the largest green hydrogen plant in Latin America. Planned for the Cartagena refinery, the facility will feature a 5-megawatt electrolyzer and is expected to produce around 800 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. The scale of the project not only demonstrates industrial commitment but also showcases Colombia’s ability to leverage its existing petroleum infrastructure as a platform for new, cleaner technologies, signaling a transition from fossil-based to renewable energy systems.
Looking beyond the numbers, Colombia’s hydrogen push represents a systemic shift: hydrogen is emerging as a strategic pillar of the country’s energy transformation. By promoting both white (geological) and green (electrolyzer-based) hydrogen, the government and national oil company are sending a multi-layered signal of regulatory readiness, investment intent, and alignment with global clean-energy markets. If carried out effectively, these efforts could position Colombia as a regional hub for hydrogen production, opening opportunities for exports, supporting industrial decarbonization, and strengthening the country’s credibility within the global energy transition.
Country/Project Profile – Colombia’s Hydrogen Initiative
Headquarters / Lead Actor: Ministry of Mines & Energy, Bogotá
Key Projects: 36 low-emission hydrogen projects nationwide (Caribbean, Andean, Pacific regions)
Flagship Project: Ecopetrol’s Coral plant at Cartagena refinery (~800 t/year, 5 MW electrolyzer)
Update (Aug 11, 2025): National hydrogen roadmap advanced with regulatory framework and pilot projects
Energy Focus: Green hydrogen (electrolysis with renewables) and white hydrogen (geological, naturally occurring)
Strategic Role: Position Colombia as a regional hydrogen hub aligned with EU clean-energy goals