Chile’s mining, focus of more than US$13 billion in green hydrogen projects
September 12, 2025
Chile is advancing its green hydrogen (H2V) strategy to decarbonize its mining industry, which produces nearly 25% of global copper. Three flagship projects — including the US$2.5B Volta and US$10B INNA — will produce H2V and ammonia in Antofagasta, home to over half of Chile’s copper output, taking advantage of mining demand and proximity to logistics hubs.
Major miners like Antofagasta Minerals, BHP, and Codelco are piloting H2V in fuel cells, haul trucks, and dual-combustion systems to replace diesel. Notable initiatives include the Hydra project (60kW fuel cell prototype truck), the FCAB hydrogen locomotive for mineral transport, and Anglo American’s H2V bus trial capable of 450 km per charge.
The US$441M Susterra plant will supply hydrogen to Centinela and Antucoya mines, while a US$10M “green copper concentrate” project aims to process copper without emissions or slag. Additional efforts include Codelco’s OpenCodelco innovation platform, CAP’s green steel pilot, and the creation of a hydrogen hub roadmap through H2Chile and H2Antofagasta. Chile targets 160Mt of H2V by 2050, positioning its copper exports among the lowest-carbon in the world and cementing its role as a leader in clean-energy mining.
First US Hydrogen Train to Enter Service in San Bernardino on 13 September
11 Sep 2025
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) will launch passenger service for ZEMU, North America’s first hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric passenger train, on September 13. Operating on the nine-mile Arrow Corridor of Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line, the inaugural rides will be free, with service running throughout the day across all five stations.
Built by Stadler in Switzerland, ZEMU (Zero Emission Multiple Unit) uses hydrogen fuel cells paired with batteries, emitting only water vapor while also powering onboard systems. The train consists of two passenger cars and a central power unit and features a blue-and-white design symbolizing its clean emissions. The project has been recognized by the California State Transportation Agency as a model for future hydrogen-powered rail in the U.S., following extensive testing to meet Federal Railroad Administration standards.
https://railway-news.com/first-us-hydrogen-train-to-enter-service-in-san-bernardino-on-13-september
Yara Signs 10-Year Offtake Deal for ATOME’s $630M Green Hydrogen Fertiliser Project in Paraguay
September 12, 2025
ATOME PLC has signed a 10-year offtake agreement with Yara International for the entire 260,000 tonnes per year of low-carbon fertiliser production from its US$630M Villeta Project in Paraguay. The deal marks the final commercial milestone before reaching Final Investment Decision (FID), with construction expected to start in Q4 2025.
Villeta will use 100% renewable hydropower to produce green ammonia for calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertiliser, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based imports and helping decarbonize food supply chains across Mercosur. The project benefits from Yara’s global distribution network and is designed to operate without subsidies, providing cost-effective solutions for reducing agricultural emissions.
ATOME has secured a 145MW renewable power purchase agreement, a 30-hectare tax-free site (with an option for 13 more hectares), and a US$465M EPC contract with Casale. Hy24 is the anchor equity investor. In parallel, ATOME is developing additional green fertiliser projects in Central America through its Costa Rican joint venture and expanding its ATOME POWER division for green power infrastructure.
50% hydrogen blend testing successfully completed at Georgia Power’s Plant McDonough-Atkinson
06 June 2025
Georgia Power and Mitsubishi Power have successfully completed the world’s largest hydrogen blending test, validating a 50% hydrogen / 50% natural gas fuel mix on an M501GAC advanced-class gas turbine at Plant McDonough-Atkinson near Atlanta. The test achieved a 22% CO₂ emissions reduction compared to 100% natural gas and marks a major milestone toward decarbonizing gas-fired power generation.
The demonstration followed weeks of testing at blend levels from 5% to 50%. The turbine was previously upgraded with J-series combustion technology, enabling high hydrogen co-firing capability and improving operational efficiency. Georgia Power, part of Southern Company, has already reduced its carbon emissions by more than 60% since 2007 and continues to pursue low-carbon solutions to meet Georgia’s growing energy demand.
Mitsubishi Power delivered the turnkey hydrogen blending system and partnered with Certarus for hydrogen supply. Georgia Power’s future plans include building three new hydrogen-capable gas turbines at Plant Yates and upgrading ten turbines at Plant McIntosh to add 268 MW of capacity. Together with solar and other renewable projects, these initiatives aim to balance reliability, affordability, and emissions reduction for the state’s energy future.
https://power.mhi.com/regions/amer/news/250616
“China in Total Shock”: US Unveils Nuclear Reactor Capable of Powering 400,000 Homes and Producing Green Hydrogen
06 June 2025
NuScale Power Corporation is pioneering a new approach to energy and resource management through its small modular reactor (SMR) technology, which provides carbon-free electricity while addressing global water scarcity and clean hydrogen production. Its integrated system combines SMRs with reverse osmosis desalination, producing up to 150 million gallons of clean water daily and electricity for 400,000 homes, offering a dual solution for energy and water challenges.
The system also converts desalination brine into feedstock for clean hydrogen production using a hydro-thermal chemical decomposition process, reducing energy and water consumption compared to conventional electrolysis. NuScale has developed advanced simulation tools to optimize hydrogen production, storage, and power generation for industrial-scale applications exceeding 200 tons of hydrogen per day.
Certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NuScale is positioned for global deployment across electricity generation, district heating, desalination, data centers, and commercial hydrogen production. By integrating these technologies, NuScale aims to deliver sustainable, carbon-free solutions while addressing water scarcity, hydrogen supply, and climate challenges, setting a precedent for the future of energy and resource management.