Second Edition of Hydrogen Expo to Take Place in Nuevo Leon

On Feb. 7 and 8, 2023, Nuevo Leon will host the second edition of the Hydrogen Expo. The event is organized by Tarsus, a company dedicated to the development of international business forums, and it has already been recognized as a prominent platform in Latin America for national and international leaders of the hydrogen industry. 

Through a virtual press conference, José Navarro, Director, Tarsus, said he was optimistic about the role that Mexico plays in the global hydrogen sector. However, he underscored it was necessary to join efforts to reach agreements, promote technology and boost business. 

Israel Hurtado, President, Mexican Hydrogen Association (AMH2), stressed that hydrogen production has gained an important role in the Mexican energy sector in recent times. According to Hurtado, Guanajuato, Durango and Baja California have launched hydrogen production, electricity generation and storage projects. Additionally, the association has promoted mobility projects along with Mexico City’s authorities for urban passenger transport, and long-distance heavy transport powered by green hydrogen. 

A green hydrogen trial project in Baja California is being carried out by CFE. First production is expected to be ready in 1H23, which will be used for power production tests. Moreover, PEMEX’s 2023-2027 business plan mentions green hydrogen as a possible source of hydrogen for hydrotreating processes in the production of methanol and fertilizers, as well as a direct fuel.

Hurtado pointed out that the hydrogen sector in Mexico has two main advantages, the first being a privileged geographical location with great potential for solar and wind energy. The second regarding the USMCA agreement, which would allow green hydrogen exports to these countries.

Romelí Barbosa, President, Mexican Hydrogen Society (SMH), announced that in 2023, Mexico will host an international congress on green hydrogen. "We have a surplus of renewable energies which must be harnessed and hydrogen is the ideal energy vector for this goal. Our country has the technical and analytical capabilities to achieve this. We already have patents for fuel cells and electrolysers. All we need is for the industry to demand large projects, so we can put all hands on deck,” he said during a press conference. 

César Cadena, President, Nuevo Leon Energy Cluster, commented that the Hydrogen Expo is a key event to understand business opportunities and opportunities regarding hydrogen production and use. “We need clean energies to boost decarbonization in all industries; this is why green hydrogen is so important. It is the most abundant element in nature and the only one that does not emit CO2 when combustion takes place” he said. Cadena added that it would be a great breakthrough to mix hydrogen with natural gas, since 67% of electricity in Mexico is produced through natural gas.

The organizers reported that the registration of participants for the expo has already increased by 350% in comparison to the previous edition. Amando Villareal, Director General, Nuevo Leon Energy Cluster, and Rosario Ruíz, Content Director, Tarsus, also participated in the press conference.