CIP and Mexican Authorities Collaborate on Green Hydrogen and Maritime Fuels Project – EQ
In Short : Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) collaborates with Mexican authorities on a green hydrogen and maritime fuels project. This partnership highlights the joint efforts to advance sustainable energy solutions, particularly in the development of green hydrogen and eco-friendly maritime fuels in Mexico.
In Detail : Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), a global leader in greenfield renewable energy investment, has entered into a collaborative agreement with Mexican authorities to undertake the Helax Istmo project. This ambitious initiative, situated in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, Mexico, focuses on the development of green hydrogen and green maritime fuels. CIP will drive the Helax Istmo project forward through its Growth Markets Funds II and Energy Transition Fund I. The partnership was solidified with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on December 22, 2023, involving key stakeholders such as the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT) and Mexico’s national Ministry of Navy, the Secretaría de Marina (Semar).
The Helax Istmo project is set to become a significant contributor to Mexico’s sustainable development goals, emphasizing the production of green hydrogen and green maritime fuels. Positioned within the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the project aligns with global efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry and promote environmentally friendly energy solutions.
The collaborative efforts of CIP, CIIT, and Semar are formalized through the MoU signed on December 22. Under this agreement, the parties pledge to work together to support the development of the large-scale, integrated renewable energy project in Oaxaca. The Helax Istmo project aims to make substantial contributions to both Mexico’s sustainability objectives and the broader global goal of reducing carbon emissions in the shipping industry. The MoU explicitly recognizes that Helax will undergo formal indigenous and social consultations under Mexican law, with these consultations anticipated to take place in early 2024.
Ole Kjems Sørensen, Partner at CIP and Co-head of Growth Markets Funds, expressed the significance of the MoU as a testament to CIP’s long-term commitment to Mexico. He emphasized the pioneering nature of the Helax Istmo project, particularly in offering green maritime fuels at scale—a milestone for the region. Sørensen extended gratitude to Mexican authorities for their ongoing interest and support, highlighting CIP’s commitment to constructive engagement with national and local stakeholders in the continued development of Helax.
Philip Cristiani, Partner at CIP and Co-head of Energy Transition Fund, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the Helax Istmo project. He highlighted the global impact of Helax when fully operational, catering to the rising demand for green shipping fuels and making a significant contribution to the global shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts. Cristiani underlined the strategic position of Helax in aligning with the objectives of CIP’s Energy Transition Fund, the largest dedicated clean hydrogen fund globally.
In a broader context, CIP is actively engaged in collaborations beyond the Helax Istmo project. Notably, the partnership with Taiwanese container shipping major Evergreen, initiated through an MoU signed in October, focuses on hydrogen-based marine fuels. This collaboration spans various aspects, including the production of e-fuels in Taiwan based on offshore wind, as well as the exploration of a broader supply of green fuels such as e-ammonia and e-methanol.
