Colbún Launches Chile’s First Green Hydrogen Plant at Power Generation Facility
Colbún, a leading Chilean power generation and energy solutions company, has inaugurated the country’s first industrial green hydrogen (H2V) plant integrated with a thermoelectric power stationat the Nehuenco Complex in Quillota.
This landmark project will replace the gray hydrogen previously used in the plant’s cooling process with green hydrogen produced from solar energy, reducing up to 15 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. The facility operates off-grid, using renewable energy to power a 100 kW solar farm, batteries, an electrolyzer, and storage tanks, marking a major step in Chile’s transition to cleaner energy.
“We are convinced that technological innovation like this will continue to advance in Chile,” said José Ignacio Escobar, CEO of Colbún. “True progress lies in combining the advantages of multiple energy solutions. Sustainability must be environmental, social, and economic, creating value and opportunities for everyone.”
Supporting a Cleaner, More Flexible Energy System
The Nehuenco thermoelectric complex has enough capacity to supply electricity to over 570,000 homes. By integrating green hydrogen, Colbún is modernizing the facility to provide flexibility and reliability to complement the intermittent supply from solar and wind energy, while maintaining security of electricity supply.
Recent upgrades to the complex include:
- Investment in a Reverse Osmosis Plant to reduce water usage during shortages.
- A major maintenance program to improve efficiency and operational flexibility.
- Approval of an Environmental Impact Statement, requiring nearly US$18 million to increase capacity, optimize water use, and make generation units more flexible.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Over 100 attendees joined the inauguration ceremony, including José Orrego, Presidential Delegate of Quillota Province, who emphasized the milestone’s importance for President Boric’s renewable energy strategy.
“This green hydrogen plant positions Chile at the forefront of global clean energy adoption,” Orrego said. “Similar initiatives, like Copiapó’s fully electric transportation plan, demonstrate our leadership in renewable solutions.”
Anastassia Ottone, Regional Secretary of Energy for Valparaíso, added:
“This project not only advances clean energy generation but also highlights Chile’s ability to lead the global green hydrogen revolution. The Green Hydrogen Action Plan 2023-2030 provides a roadmap to balance economic growth with environmental and community responsibility.”
A Track Record of Green Hydrogen Innovation
Colbún has already implemented a similar initiative in Peru, replacing 100% of gray hydrogen at the Fenix thermoelectric plant with green hydrogen in 2024. The Nehuenco project strengthens Colbún’s commitment to sustainable energy, decarbonization, and innovative solutions across Latin America.
“I want to thank the entire Colbún team, Corfo, regional authorities, and especially the Quillota community for supporting this milestone,” Escobar concluded.
