Empresa Nacional del Petróleo (Enap) announced it has completed 72% of construction work on Chile’s first plant dedicated to green hydrogen production. The site is located in the Cabo Negro industrial complex in the Magallanes region. This project represents a $14mn investment and marks a strategic step for the state-owned company in developing new industrial capabilities.
The plant is designed by German company Neuman & Esser, which is also responsible for its construction. The project follows a modular format to allow for potential future relocation. At this stage, prefabricated foundations have been installed, along with connections to water, electricity, and natural gas networks that will enable full system integration.
Equipment progress and cross-border logistics
The plant’s main equipment, manufactured in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, is being finalised. These include a 1 megawatt (MW) Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser, a compressor, and a storage system. Delivery to the Chilean site is scheduled for later this month. These components are essential for the final assembly phase ahead of the planned start-up in the first quarter of 2026.
The facility will be powered by electricity from the Vientos Patagónicos wind farm, in which Enap holds a 66% stake. The plant targets a production capacity of 19 kilograms of hydrogen per hour, equivalent to the energy consumption of a heavy-duty vehicle travelling 300 kilometres.
Internal expertise development and skills transfer
In addition to manufacturing, Neuman & Esser is also training Enap’s technical teams. This skills transfer aligns with the company’s goal to develop local capabilities for operating and maintaining the plant. The aim is to ensure effective start-up operations once construction is complete.
The project fits into Enap’s broader strategy to expand its business portfolio. The state-owned company is simultaneously developing other industrial initiatives, including low-emission fuel production and natural gas liquefied (LNG) transportation.
An infrastructure designed for future partnerships
The hydrogen produced will not be used exclusively by Enap. The company also plans to support third-party projects, particularly in collaboration with the Green Hydrogen Technology Centre in Magallanes. Applications in mobility are also under consideration.
The development model chosen by Enap is based on building flexible infrastructure and gradually acquiring local technical expertise. The company’s leadership has stated that the Cabo Negro plant is part of a broader effort to modernise its technological capacity.
