Experts from the Uruguayan and Chilean public sector recently met for peer-to-peer exchanges. They took the opportunity to discuss challenges faced by both countries in the development of their emerging Power-to-X industries. Topics ranged from environmental regulations to financing and gender equity.
Towards gender equality at the Change, Empowerment, Gender, and Energy conference
The first Change, Empowerment, Gender, and Energy (CEGEN) conference aimed to address challenges of the inclusion and empowerment of women in the energy sector. Focus of the event were talks and panels on topics such as gender, human rights, labor, climate change and STEM education, as well as the presentation of a study on gender barriers in the energy sector.
One of the panelists was María José González, a professional from the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining of Uruguay. González highlighted her country’s strategic plans for its second energy transition, highlighting the importance of overcoming gender barriers. The panel illustrated the commitment of Chile, Uruguay, and the international community to advance gender equality and ensure the active participation of women in the energy sector.
Frontrunner in Magallanes: visiting the Haru Oni pilot plant
The Chilean-Uruguayan delegation visited Punta Arenas, where they expressed their enthusiasm for the Haru Oni pilot plant developed by HIF Global. The innovative facility is the first to produce synthetic hydrocarbons derived from green hydrogen. This visit provided valuable insights into technological advancements achieved by the private sector and emphasised the need to train professionals to participate in the emerging industry.
Furthermore, the delegation participated in the first Green Hydrogen Citizen Fair in Magallanes, organised as part of the CORFO Transforma programme. The fair served as a platform for engaging various stakeholders, including educational institutions in dialogue and collaboration. The importance of capacity development for the region was highlighted, while also underscoring the essential role of international cooperation in advancing PtX technology, ultimately fostering sustainable development throughout Chile.
The need for collaboration is evident in a region abundant in renewable energies and committed to a net-zero future. Undoubtedly, these exchange journeys have provided valuable exchanges to advance PtX in both countries and the entire region.
The International PtX Hub and the Energy Partnership between Germany and Uruguay organised the peer-to-peer exchanges. The CEGEN conference was organised by the Ministry of Energy of Chile and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection of Germany (BMWK) as part of the Chile-Germany Energy Partnership.
