Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), a major public utility company in Colombia, has unveiled its ambitious plans to invest in clean hydrogen production.

By utilizing biogas from its water treatment plants, EPM aims to become a pioneer in large-scale green hydrogen projects in the country. This article explores the goals, technology, and potential impact of EPM’s clean hydrogen initiatives, shedding light on Colombia’s growing interest in renewable energy sources and the role of EPM in solving energy sector challenges.

The primary goal of EPM’s clean hydrogen projects is to promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce the carbon footprint in Colombia. By harnessing biogas produced at the San Fernando and Aguas Claras water treatment plants, EPM aims to generate green hydrogen, which can be used as an alternative fuel. These projects represent an important step toward diversifying the energy mix and embracing cleaner and more environmentally friendly options.

EPM’s clean hydrogen production will rely on advanced technologies that convert biogas into hydrogen. The biogas, a byproduct of the water treatment process, will be processed and purified to extract hydrogen molecules. This process, known as steam methane reforming, involves high-temperature reactions to produce hydrogen-rich gas. The hydrogen can then be stored and utilized as a clean fuel for various applications, such as transportation, industrial processes, and power generation.

EPM’s clean hydrogen initiatives have the potential to make a significant impact on Colombia’s energy landscape. By utilizing biogas for hydrogen production, EPM demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The introduction of green hydrogen as an alternative fuel also helps to diversify Colombia’s energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy integration.

Moreover, EPM’s broader plan to be a “solver” of problems in Colombia’s energy sector includes addressing challenges related to the Hidroituango hydroelectric plant. Despite the project’s delays and budget overruns, EPM’s general manager, Jorge Carrillo, highlights its crucial role in preventing electricity rationing. The successful operation of Hidroituango has averted potential power shortages and underscores the importance of reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure.