HIF Global has announced a major redesign of its $6 billion green hydrogen and e-fuels project in Paysandú, Uruguay, significantly reducing its environmental footprint in response to ecological and community concerns. According to recent company updates, the revised plan will cut land use by 35% and reduce impact on native forests by 70%. In a further move to support local biodiversity, HIF Global is setting aside 163 hectares for a dedicated conservation reserve and adopting compact cooling systems to minimize water consumption.

The project, being developed in partnership with Uruguay’s state energy firm Ancap and its subsidiary ALUR, will produce up to 700,000 tonnes of carbon-neutral e-fuels annually. The facility will use renewable electricity to generate green hydrogen via electrolysis, which will then be combined with biogenic carbon dioxide to create synthetic fuels. This approach allows for the recycling of naturally sourced carbon, marking a key step in the country’s ambition to become a global exporter of low-emission fuels.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is expected to generate substantial employment. Construction activities are projected to create around 3,200 jobs at peak, with 600 permanent positions anticipated once the facility becomes operational. Groundbreaking is slated for the second half of 2026, with production expected to begin by 2029.

Uruguay’s near-100% renewable electricity mix and strong environmental regulations have positioned it as an ideal host for pioneering energy projects. HIF Global’s revised plans are being seen as a model for balancing large-scale industrial development with long-term ecological preservation. As momentum builds globally for sustainable energy technologies like green hydrogen and synthetic fuels, the Paysandú initiative offers a blueprint for integrating climate ambition with environmental stewardship.

Source: 

https://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/hif-global-slashes-land-footprint-of-uruguay-hydrogen-project-to-align-with-biodiversity-and-community-goals/8571733/