Trinidad and Tobago Signs Onto Clean Hydrogen Certification System
DUBAI – Trinidad and Tobago is the lone CARICOM country that has so far signed on to a certification system for clean and low-carbon hydrogen production in the region.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Latin America Partnership Organization (OLADE) have launched “Decarbonizing LAC” declaration for heavy industry and introducing CertHiLAC, a certification system for clean and low-carbon hydrogen production in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), underscoring a regional commitment to a clean and low-carbon hydrogen economy.
“CertHiLAC will ensure product traceability, offering detailed information on carbon intensity and production technology, and will include environmental and social sustainability attributes. The goal is to facilitate exports of clean hydrogen to other regions,” the IDB said.
It said so far Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay have signed a joint declaration for CertHiLAC implementation.
The Washington-based financial institution said regional institutions and business associations such as the Latin American Steel Association (ALACERO), the Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM), LAC Clean Hydrogen Action and OLADE have endorsed the ‘Decarbonizing LAC’ declaration.
“Sponsoring organizations will work together to drive innovation and sustainability focusing on using clean hydrogen, capturing and storing carbon, electrifying processes, generating renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting industrial clusters,” the IDB said, adding that other hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy transport and fertilizers are welcome to join in the future.
IDB said it has taken the opportunity at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) to unveil two related publications, “Accelerating Decarbonization of Heavy Industry n Latin America and the Caribbean and “Guide for the Implementation of a Hydrogen Certification System in Latin America and the Caribbean.
It said these publications provide a thorough analysis of the region and outline action plans for the upcoming stages.