Supported by BMWK’s International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Programme (H2Uppp), the aim of the ‘Gaucho Wind to Hydrogen & Green Ammonia’ project is to produce green hydrogen-based ammonia for export into the European market.
The initiative’s first stage will install 3GW of electrolysers powered by a 4.2GW wind farm, which could reportedly produce more than 21.3GWh of energy and up to 1.7 tonnes of green ammonia per year.
The partnership between GIZ and RP Global includes a technical and economic analysis of the hydrogen production chain, a study on biodiversity and water in the Santa Cruz region, and an analysis of the regulations in force in Argentina.
“We recognise the scale of the challenge ahead, and we are ready to embrace it,” said Igor Rescec, Chief Technology Officer at RP Global. “This partnership goes beyond identifying optimal wind sites and building facilities – it’s about upholding the highest environmental, social and safety standards.
“From planning import and export facilities at local harbours to organising robust logistics for green hydrogen plant construction and operation, and our goal is to create a shared infrastructure that benefits both local communities and the broader hydrogen sector.”
H2 View understands that project Gaucho will leverage Argentina’s renewable resources to become an important supplier for Germany, which relies on imports of green hydrogen.
Last July, the German government approved plans to import up to 50-70% of its 2030 hydrogen capacity, which could represent up to 2.3 million tonnes.
However, the German Energy Agency’s (DENA) Laura Droste claimed the nation is facing an uphill task to reach its 10GW 2030 hydrogen capacity target.
Speaking at the Hydrogen Technology Expo in Hamburg, Droste said, “I’m an optimistic person, [but] it’s quite a challenge to install 9GW in five years, so we need adjustments.” She added that while Germany’s hydrogen strategy aligns with its goals, “adjustments are needed due to higher-than-expected capital costs for projects.”
