Uruguay to relocate HIF Global green hydrogen plant

The Uruguayan government has decided to relocate the green hydrogen plant project proposed by HIF Global. Originally planned for the department of Paysandú, the project's location is being reconsidered following requests from Argentine national, regional, and local authorities.

Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin confirmed the decision to his Argentine counterpart, Pablo Quirno, noting that President Yamandú Orsi provided specific instructions to move the plant. The relocation aims to address concerns regarding “visual pollution” raised by residents of Colón, an Argentine city located directly across from Paysandú. The project had previously faced protests and legal actions in Argentina concerning potential environmental and visual impacts.

While the exact new site has not been specified, the government has suggested the plant could potentially be installed on land owned by the state oil company ANCAP in Paysandú. Local officials, including Paysandú Mayor Nicolás Olivera, noted that the company is aware of the negotiations, though discussions regarding the project's progress and the role of various ministries continue.