Argentina and Uruguay Collaborate to Address Green Hydrogen Concerns

Rogelio Frigerio and Yamandú Orsi met in Montevideo to discuss avoiding conflicts over a proposed green hydrogen plant in Paysandú, focusing on dialogue and cooperation between Argentina and Uruguay. They emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, the protection of local tourism, and enhancing regional integration through strategic projects.

In a recent meeting, the governor of Entre Ríos, Rogelio Frigerio, and Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi emphasized the importance of dialogue to prevent conflicts regarding the establishment of a green hydrogen plant in Paysandú. They wish to avoid the diplomatic crisis experienced in the early 2000s due to the Botnia pulp mill installation. Both officials highlighted that the Uruguay River serves as a unifying factor, not a dividing one.

Frigerio and Orsi convened in Montevideo with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin to address concerns surrounding the environmental effects of the proposed HIF Global plant, located opposite Colón in Entre Ríos. The local community is anxious about the potential impact on tourism, their primary economic activity. Frigerio stated that the development of this new energy source should not hinder the area’s tourism economy.

Responding to these community concerns, President Orsi underscored the government’s commitment to facilitate discussions with all stakeholders involved. Foreign Minister Lubetkin stressed the importance of a collaborative approach in managing projects linked to the Uruguay River, recalling the blockades that previously hindered border crossings during the Botnia controversy.

Both governments asserted their commitment to ensure that the plant operates sustainably, focusing on complementarity and development. Additionally, they agreed to pursue strategic initiatives such as dredging the Uruguay River for better navigability, projecting a deep-water port in Soriano, and enhancing the waterway crucial for regional trading.

These collaborative efforts aim to foster economic integration among Paraguay, northern Argentina, and the Uruguayan coast, promoting regional prosperity without compromising local tourism and development.

The discussions between Frigerio and Orsi reflect a renewed commitment to cooperative management of shared resources and mutual interests, prioritizing environmental sustainability and local economies. Lessons learned from past tensions serve as a guiding principle for future projects, ensuring that developmental initiatives benefit all parties involved. The resulting economic cooperation between Argentina and Uruguay is expected to enhance trade and strengthen regional ties.

Original Source: hydrogen-central.com