Environmental assessment led by P&A for a green hydrogen project for the mining industry in Calama has been approved

Pares&Alvarez (P&A), an engineering company with extensive experience in mining and energy projects, announced that its Environmental Department successfully led the process of preparing and obtaining approval for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Green Hydrogen Plant project to be located in the Antofagasta mining district.

The project, titled “Green Hydrogen Production for the Antofagasta Mining District” by H2 Green Mining—a joint venture between Susterra and Star Energy Partners—aims to produce green hydrogen (H2V) to reduce the mining industry’s carbon footprint by replacing the use of fossil fuels in smelting, refining, transportation, and thermal processes. The initial phase calls for an electrolysis capacity of 40 MW, with a projected expansion to a total of 200 MW, and the plant is expected to produce 70 tons of green hydrogen per day, with a potential reduction of up to 200,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent per year.

The Consulting Division of Pares&Alvarez developed the conceptual engineering for the project, which formed the basis of the environmental analysis. The study covered the plant’s design, including its technology and planned expansions over time, as well as all the service infrastructure required for its operation and control. To achieve an optimal design, contacts were established with leading suppliers of reverse osmosis, electrolysis, storage and charging systems, tube trailers, electrical and refrigeration systems, among others, thereby defining the most suitable design and projected production capacities. All this work was carried out in compliance with the highest national and international regulatory standards (NFPA 2, DS 13/2024, DS No. 43/2016, DS No. 148/2004, NEC, IEEE).

The study also included volume calculations, construction scheduling projections, and an execution and constructability plan, ensuring that the project has a solid technical roadmap. This conceptual engineering was essential for defining the area of influence, its description, and the technical information required for the Sectoral Environmental Permits (PAS), elements incorporated into the environmental document that was developed, managed, and submitted to the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA).

“This milestone reflect the synergy between our Engineering, Consulting, and Environment divisions, and solidifies Pares&Alvarez as a strategic partner for clean energy and sustainable mining projects,” noted Claudia Goza, Environment Manager at P&A.

The Antofagasta Green Hydrogen Plant represents a key step in the decarbonization of Chilean mining and reinforces Pares&Alvarez’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the energy transition.