On the Potential of Blue Hydrogen Production in Colombia: A Fossil Resource-Based Assessment for Low-Emission Hydrogen

Latin America is starting its energy transition. In Colombia, with its abundant natural resources and fossil fuel reserves, hydrogen (H<INF>2</INF>) could play a key role. This contribution analyzes the potential of blue H<INF>2</INF> production in Colombia as a possible driver of the H<INF>2</INF> economy. The study assesses the natural resources available to produce blue H<INF>2</INF> in the context of the recently launched National Hydrogen Roadmap. Results indicate that there is great potential for low-emission blue H<INF>2</INF> production in Colombia using coal as feedstock. Such potential, besides allowing a more sustainable use of non-renewable resources, would pave the way for green H<INF>2</INF> deployment in Colombia. Blue H<INF>2</INF> production from coal could range from 700 to 8000 kt<INF>H<INF>2</INF></INF>/year by 2050 under conservative and ambitious scenarios, respectively, which could supply up to 1.5% of the global H<INF>2</INF> demand by 2050. However, while feedstock availability is promising for blue H<INF>2</INF> production, carbon dioxide (CO<INF>2</INF>) capture capacities and investment costs could limit this potential in Colombia. Indeed, results of this work indicate that capture capacities of 15 to 180 Mt<INF>CO<INF>2</INF></INF>/year (conservative and ambitious scenarios) need to be developed by 2050, and that the required investment for H<INF>2</INF> deployment would be above that initially envisioned by the government. Further studies on carbon capture, utilization and storage capacity, implementation of a clear public policy, and a more detailed hydrogen strategy for the inclusion of blue H<INF>2</INF> in the energy mix are required for establishing a low-emission H<INF>2</INF> economy in the country.