Uruguay seeking expressions of interest in fuels logistics hub development

Uruguayan state hydrocarbons company Ancap launched a call for expressions of interest in developing a liquid fuels logistics hub in Maldonado department. 

The proposals can consider fossil fuels and/or sustainable fuels such as green hydrogen and its derivatives, which Uruguay – today dependent on imported oil and gas – wants to produce, according to an Ancap document. 

In terms of the export market, Uruguay is betting heavily on e-methanol produced from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide, given ready access to feedstock carbon dioxide from biomass-related processes.

Expressions of interest can propose the possible participation of Ancap in new businesses as well as incorporate infrastructure linked to existing planned green hydrogen and derivatives initiatives. 

Following reception and analysis, Ancap may draw up bidding rules and launch a tender, although it is not obliged to do so.

The target site is oil import and storage facility Terminal del Este, where Ancap receives, via monobuoy, 1Mb (million barrels) every 20 days. With eight tanks, each with capacity of 64,000m³, Terminal del Este is connected by pipeline to the Montevideo port area where Ancap has downstream facilities the La Teja refinery and the La Tablada fuels distribution center.

“These assets and the location of the terminal present additional logistics potential, which Ancap wishes to leverage and that is why this call is being made,” the document states.

Some 100ha of spare land is available, in addition to acreage used by Ancap. 

Uruguay is home to several green hydrogen and derivatives projects. Some target the local heavy transport industry.

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