Fraunhofer-Led Consortium To Propel Green Hydrogen Production In Chile

A consortium led by various Fraunhofer institutes, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, is undertaking a significant initiative to establish large-scale green hydrogen production in Chile. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the project aims to explore the potential for hydrogen and liquid fuel production from solar energy, addressing technical, economic, logistical, and socio-economic aspects. The initiative also involves supporting the installation of a pilot facility for climate-neutral methanol and dimethyl ether production in Chile.

Key Highlights:

• The project, known as “Power-to-MEDME,” aligns with the EU’s “REPowerEU” strategy to import ten million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030.
• Chile’s abundant solar potential and stable economic conditions position it as a crucial contributor to green hydrogen and derivatives production for the EU and Germany.
• Linde GmbH’s investment project in northern Chile will include a pilot plant for green methanol or dimethyl ether production, utilizing CO2 from a local cement factory.
• The research project encompasses optimizing Power-to-X product production along the hydrogen process chain, evaluating sales markets, business models, and local workforce training.
• Fraunhofer ISE focuses on developing a new synthesis route for dimethyl ether, optimizing production processes, and conducting techno-economic analyses.
• The project, coordinated by Fraunhofer IEE, involves collaboration with various Fraunhofer institutes, RWTH Aachen University, and the Research Institute for the Economics of Education and Social Affairs FiBS.
• The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research is providing over €11 million in funding for the project.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to bolster Chile’s hydrogen industry, leveraging its favorable conditions for solar energy utilization and contributing to global efforts toward sustainable energy solutions.