Green hydrogen (GH2) is moving beyond experimental concepts to become a practical pillar of the global energy transition. Costa Rica’s first Green Hydrogen Week, held from 25–28 November, marked an important step in the country’s efforts to advance this emerging technology. Over four days, representatives from public institutions, the private sector, academia, diplomatic missions, and international partners came together to explore opportunities, challenges, and recent developments in green hydrogen across the value chain.
The event was organised by the German Development Cooperation – GIZ, the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE), the German Chamber of Commerce (AHK), and the embassies of Germany and the United Kingdom (UK) in Costa Rica.
The Mitigation Action Facility, through the Green Hydrogen for a Decarbonised Economy in Costa Rica project, implemented by GIZ GmbH, supports the country’s energy transition by promoting green hydrogen as a clean alternative for the transport and industrial sectors.
Day 1: Trends and challenges in implementing hydrogen technologies
The week opened at the University of Costa Rica with a technical deep dive into the role of hydrogen in modern energy systems. Experts from Spain, including representatives from the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) and the University of Seville, presented modelling approaches, renewable energy integration studies, and business cases highlighting how collaboration between academia and industry accelerates innovation.
The discussions underlined a key message: green hydrogen already has practical applications, and the region has the capacity to develop advanced solutions.
Day 2: Accelerating the GH2 industry
The second day, led by UNIDO, connected local initiatives with European technology providers. Costa Rican companies presented investment ideas, while international firms showcased services, projects, and technological solutions.
A business matchmaking session facilitated direct exchanges between investors, developers, and potential partners, highlighting the importance of strong value chains and market demand for future projects. The long-standing cooperation between GIZ and UNIDO, active in 13 countries through the Global Programme for Hydrogen, provides a strong foundation for scaling impact.
Day 3: Symposium on opportunities and challenges for GH2 in Costa Rica
The GIZ hosted a national symposium to assess the current state of green hydrogen in Costa Rica. Opening remarks by the Embassies of Germany and the United Kingdom, together with Vice Minister of Energy Ronny Rodríguez, reaffirmed political commitment to advancing the technology.
Technical and strategic perspectives were introduced by Dr. Jimena Incer (University of Costa Rica) and Claus Kruse, Director of the GIZ project, followed by two panel discussions addressing technical and political dimensions.
The technical panel examined applications in heavy transport, industry, ports, freight rail, and green ammonia production, while highlighting alignment with Costa Rica’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The political panel brought together representatives from leading political parties ahead of the 2026 elections, revealing broad consensus on the need to position green hydrogen as a national priority.
Across discussions, participants highlighted Costa Rica’s strengths, such as a nearly 100% renewable electricity mix, early pilot experience, and strong decarbonisation policies, alongside key challenges, including financing, institutional coordination, and grid capacity.
Symposium during the Green Hydrogen Week. © Melisa Jerez Cerda, GIZ.
Day 4: Women in energy, leadership, and change
The week concluded with a session focused on women’s leadership in science and energy, bringing together professionals and female engineering students. Speakers shared career paths, challenges, and opportunities, emphasising green hydrogen as a promising field for increased female participation.
Speakers included Dr. Jimena Incer (University of Costa Rica), Sandra Cauffman (NASA), Dr. Melania Guerra (Climate Analytics), and Irene Cañas (GIZ Advisor and former Vice Minister of Energy).
Exchange between women professionals in science and engineering students. © UCR
A shared message
Green Hydrogen Week concluded with a clear message: green hydrogen is already a viable tool for decarbonisation, and its successful deployment depends on close collaboration between government, academia, industry, and international partners. Costa Rica has strong foundations to position itself as a regional frontrunner; provided that investment mechanisms, market demand, and governance frameworks continue to be strengthened to move projects from the laboratory to real-world implementation.
