In a joint effort to meet the global challenge of climate change and move towards a cleaner and more sustainable economy, energy ministers and secretaries from more than 10 countries in the region established a certification system for clean and low-emission hydrogen and its derivatives in Latin America and the Caribbean, called “CertHILAC”. This initiative is supported and sponsored by OLADE and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
CertHILAC will focus on the certification of clean hydrogen and low emissions produced in Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring product traceability and providing detailed information on its origin and production technology, among other key attributes. In addition, environmental and social sustainability criteria will be established, with special attention to the responsible use of water and respect for local communities and indigenous peoples.
To ensure the effective implementation of CertHILAC, a System Representatives Group has been created, composed of two representatives from each government, which will be responsible for issuing recommendations, establishing regional and national governance, and defining system actors. The Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) will act as the coordinating body of CertHILAC, facilitating collaboration between countries and other stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary of Olade, Andrés Rebolledo, highlighted the importance of this initiative for the benefit of sustainable development in the region and which reflects the firm commitment of the participating countries to move towards a clean and sustainable hydrogen economy.
“CertHILAC is a cornerstone for regional integration and the creation of a clean, low-emission hydrogen market. With it, we establish a joint framework and open the doors to new economic and technological opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development are shared by all people,” said Ariel Yépez, IDB’s infrastructure and energy manager.
CertHILAC will not only benefit the signatory countries, but will also become an internationally recognized regional standard, fostering global cooperation in the clean and low-emission hydrogen market. This certification system, voluntary and adaptable, will serve as a tool to achieve decarbonization goals and will significantly contribute to a more sustainable energy future for Latin America and the Caribbean.
This declaration was signed within the framework of the VIII Energy Week developed in Montevideo Uruguay from November 6 to 10, 2023.
Communications and Institutional
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