Uruguay has confirmed to the Argentine government its decision to relocate the green hydrogen plant in Paysandú, following controversy sparked by statements from President Yamandú Orsi. Foreign Ministers Pablo Quirno and Mario Lubetkin met in Montevideo to address this issue with a collaborative attitude.
Mario Lubetkin, the Foreign Minister of Uruguay, reported that the President has given clear instructions to proceed with the relocation of the plant, emphasizing that they are looking for the best site for its development. Argentina had previously requested that the plant not be located on the banks of the Uruguay River, near Colón, due to concerns about pollution and visual impact in an area that relies on tourism.
Hif Global plans to build a synthetic fuels mega-plant with an investment of $5.300 million, which would be the largest in the history of Uruguay, producing 880,000 tons of eFuels. The first exports are scheduled for 2029, with Asia and Europe as the primary destinations.
Lubetkin and Quirno have maintained a positive relationship since the Argentine Chancellor took office. This issue has been central to two meetings held at the Palacio Santos, the headquarters of the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry, in November of last year and April of this year. Despite the meetings, there are ongoing legal actions in Argentina against the project, although the Uruguayan Executive Power hopes that these claims will decrease after the proposed change of location.
The new location suggested by the Uruguayan state is a 48-hectare plot belonging to the state oil company Ancap, located in Nuevo Paysandú. This option began to be considered at the end of February during a visit to the Hif Global plant in Punta Arenas, Chile. Deputy Juan Gorosterrazú mentioned that the idea emerged from a local politician with experience in Ancap facilities.
The green hydrogen plant was initially announced by the government of Luis Lacalle Pou, but the lack of confirmation has raised questions from the opposition. During a meeting in Parliament, Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone assured that the government is making “every effort” in coordination with UTE and other ministries to advance the project. However, he cautioned that factors outside government control, such as uncertainty in energy costs in Europe, could slow down the investment process.
Source: www.infobae.com
