With a clear focus on applying global expertise to tackle the key challenges facing Chile’s green hydrogen sector, Hitachi Energy took part in the latest edition of Hyvolution, Europe’s premier green hydrogen congress. Held for the third consecutive year in Chile, the event took place at the Metropolitan Santiago Convention Center.
“We are in a race against global changes, and seeing the potential that Chile holds — and how it is progressing — is truly encouraging,” said Raúl Montano, Global Solution Manager for Hydrogen at Hitachi Energy. He was speaking during the panel titled “Green Hydrogen: Research, Development, and Technological Innovation for a Low-Carbon Economy.”
Montano emphasized that while Chile has promising potential, its local industry must navigate several early-stage challenges. “Integrating renewable energy sources with large-scale industrial demands is not simple. This is a critical area where Hitachi Energy can make a difference, using the extensive knowledge we’ve gained from projects worldwide,” he explained.
Jorge Tamayo, Hitachi Energy Chile’s Business Development Manager for Hydrogen & Sustainability, elaborated on the company’s local efforts. He noted that Hitachi Energy has already begun engaging with key players developing hydrogen, ammonia, and related projects across the country. The aim is to offer technical collaboration to help accelerate the sector’s growth.
“We’ve signed confidentiality agreements to initiate collaborations that allow us to support CapEx estimations and advise on preliminary design, drawing from our experience in electrification, generation, and transmission,” Tamayo said.
Integrated “Grid-to-Stack” Solutions
Rafael Pereira, Segment Sales Manager for Renewables and Datacenters LAM at Hitachi Energy, underscored how this accumulated expertise allows the company to offer a comprehensive “Grid-to-Stack” solution in Chile. This includes all aspects of electrical infrastructure — from high-voltage grid connections to electrolyzer terminals — and even supports off-grid systems.
This off-grid capability is crucial in remote regions, according to Mario Marchese, President of the Magallanes Green Hydrogen Association and Director of the HNH Energy project. He noted that in areas without a reliable transmission grid, projects must function in “island” mode, relying heavily on enabling technologies.
“In the region, there is no transmission infrastructure to stabilize wind energy during calm periods. That’s why we are building self-sufficient systems. In this context, companies like Hitachi Energy are essential. Their technology helps us develop the equipment, control systems, and energy management tools needed to ensure stable and efficient green hydrogen production,” Marchese explained.
Rebeca Poleo, President of the Chilean Hydrogen Association (H2 Chile), emphasized the importance of such collaborations and the role of Hyvolution in fostering them. “This fair is helping democratize access to these technologies — not just for developers, but for the entire ecosystem. It’s closing knowledge gaps and showcasing the maturity the industry is gradually achieving,” she concluded.
