Bolivia green hydrogen strategy pegs minimum investment at nearly US$3bn

Forecast investment to cover green hydrogen demand in Bolivia and exports is estimated at US$2.92bn for 2030 and US$34.4bn in 2050.

The outlook is part of the hydrocarbons and energies ministry’s just released strategy and roadmap for the alternative fuel.

“In Bolivia, a large demand is expected mainly for the substitution of diesel and gasoline imports with e-fuels and, on the other hand, large international markets such as Europe and Asia,” the strategy highlights.

“Bolivia is a country rich in natural resources, including those necessary for the production of H2V: water resources, solar resources and wind resources, so it can position itself as one of the large H2V producers in the region.”

The investment figure is based on projected domestic green hydrogen demand of 60,000t, 530,000t and 1.58Mt in 2030, 2040 and 2050, respectively, and 90,000t, 790,000t and 2.61Mt for export each year.

According to the research, exports could generate annual revenue of between US$195mn and US$3.09bn, over the 20-year period.

The strategy also calls for preparing specific legislation to regulate and promote the use of green hydrogen in energy and non-energy applications, including derivatives such as e-methanol, ammonia, and green urea.

Challenges exist, however, related to financing, incentives, regulatory and technology gaps, and infrastructure and value chains, the ministry adds.

The strategy and roadmap are available in the Documents box in the top right corner.

Also read Four YPFB green hydrogen projects are in the study phase and Bolivia relaunches green hydrogen engineering tender