At the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) committed to expediting decarbonization by endorsing the “Decarbonizing LAC” (available in Spanish) declaration for heavy industry and introducing CertHiLAC, a certification system for clean and low-carbon hydrogen production in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The IDB, alongside regional institutions and business associations such as the Latin American Steel Association (ALACERO), the Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM), LAC Clean Hydrogen Action and the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) endorsed the ‘Decarbonizing LAC’ declaration to emphasize the importance of the decarbonization of heavy industries for the global economies. Sponsoring organizations will work together to drive innovation and sustainability focusing on using clean hydrogen, capturing and storing carbon, electrifying processes, generating renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting industrial clusters. Other hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy transport and fertilizers are welcome to join in the future.
Simultaneously, the IDB and OLADE launched CertHiLAC, a certification system for clean and low-carbon hydrogen production in the region. Supported by energy ministers from multiple countries, this underscores a regional commitment to a clean and low-carbon hydrogen economy. CertHiLAC will ensure product traceability, offering detailed information on carbon intensity and production technology, and will include environmental and social sustainability attributes. The goal is to facilitate exports of clean hydrogen to other regions. Ministers and Secretaries of Energy from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay have already signed a joint declaration for CertHiLAC implementation.
Additionally, COP28 served as a platform to unveil two related publications, “Accelerating the Decarbonization of Heavy Industry in Latin America and the Caribbean” (available in Spanish) and “Guide for the Implementation of a Hydrogen Certification System in Latin America and the Caribbean.” These publications provide a thorough analysis of the region and outline action plans for the upcoming stages.
Latin America and the Caribbean at COP28
The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are a critical part of the solution to global climate change challenges. In the IDB Pavilion of the Americas, the Bank is hosting more than 30 events with international leaders and experts to showcase initiatives on climate action, from cutting-edge financial instruments to the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, the Amazon, a just economic transition, and more. Journalists covering COP28 on site are welcome to visit the pavilion, with no registration required. Consult the event schedule here. For journalists covering COP28 remotely, register to access broadcasts of selected events.
Communications and Institutional
Relations Department
josefa.corral@olade.org
