NEWS

Chile and the problem of plastic pollution: Could green
hydrogen be the solution?

Plastic pollution is a global problem, and Chile is no exception. Less than 10% of plastics are recycled worldwide, and in our country (OECD, 2022). Poor plastic waste management has generated a large amount of waste that pollutes the environment and affects the lives of living beings. For this reason, various solutions have been sought to reduce this problem. One of them is the transformation of green hydrogen.

Green hydrogen is a form of energy production obtained from the electrolysis of water with renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy. This process generates hydrogen that can be used as a clean fuel in various sectors, including transportation and industry.

The transformation of green hydrogen could be a solution to the problem of plastic pollution in Chile. One of the main uses of hydrogen is as a fuel for vehicles, which means that it could be used to replace fossil fuels in transportation, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

In addition, green hydrogen can also be used as a source of energy for industry. In the plastic transformation process, for example, large amounts of energy are required for production and disposal. By using green hydrogen as an energy source, the associated carbon footprint could be reduced, making it more sustainable.

Moreover, the production of green hydrogen could also generate economic opportunities for the country. As a clean and renewable fuel, it could be exported to other countries, creating a new source of income for Chile.

However, the transformation of green hydrogen requires a significant initial investment for the installation of infrastructure and the implementation of necessary technologies for its production and distribution. Additionally, a regulatory framework that promotes and encourages its use would be necessary.

The transformation of green hydrogen could be a solution to the problem of plastic pollution in Chile. Its use as a clean fuel in transportation and industry could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Furthermore, its production could generate new economic opportunities for the country. Nevertheless, significant investment and an appropriate regulatory framework would be necessary for successful implementation.