Government warns the Paysandú investment could shift to Paraguay if electricity pricing disputes are not resolved. The final contract remains unsigned.
Uruguay green hydrogen is the story. Uruguay’s government has issued a stark warning: the HIF Global green hydrogen project, potentially the largest private investment in the nation’s history, could still fall through. The project remains unsigned, and a dispute over electricity pricing threatens to push the US$6 billion venture to Paraguay. If the deal collapses, you lose a landmark energy transition opportunity that promised 1,400 construction jobs and over US$1 billion in annual exports.
Key Facts
- Six billion — US dollars at stake in HIF Global’s Paysandú project, cited by Álvaro Delgado in El Observador.
- Tariff tussle — HIF seeks US$40 per megawatt-hour; the state utility counters with US$45 per megawatt-hour under conditions.
- Historic scale — Would be Uruguay’s largest private investment ever, per political and media reports.
- Paraguay threat — Delgado warned on Friday the project could relocate if talks drag on.
- No signature — The final investment contract remains unsigned, confirmed by Fernanda Cardona on 21 July.
- Job creation — 1,400 construction roles and 300 permanent jobs reported by Búsqueda.
- Export engine — First module could ship US$253 million annually; US$1 billion once all phases run.
The Pricing Deadlock: Uruguay green hydrogen
The core issue is the electricity tariff. HIF Global wants to pay US$40 per megawatt-hour.
State utility the state utility insists on US$45 per megawatt-hour, with conditions attached, as reported by Búsqueda.
This difference is not trivial. Green hydrogen production is energy-intensive.
The tariff dictates whether the entire project closes economically for Uruguay, according to the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining.
What Uruguay Risks Losing
The numbers are staggering. HIF’s own plan, cited by Búsqueda, estimates US$5.385 billion in total investment.
This breaks down into US$2.881 billion for industrial plants and US$1.277 billion for wind and solar parks.
The remaining US$1.226 billion covers infrastructure, effluent treatment, and energy transport.
At full buildout, the Paysandú facility would produce 880,000 tons of synthetic fuels per year.
The export potential is equally significant. The first module alone could generate US$253 million in average annual exports.
Once all four phases are operational, that figure surpasses US$1 billion annually.
A Political Flashpoint
Former government official Álvaro Delgado made the warning public on Friday.
He accused his successor, Fernanda Cardona, of stonewalling the negotiation, according to El Observador and Telenoche.
Delgado explicitly stated the investment could move to Paraguay if Uruguay fails to close the deal.
Cardona responded on 21 July that no investment contract exists yet.
Búsqueda reported on Thursday that the ministry still believes the proposal does not close for Uruguay.
The government’s position is that current electricity-supply terms are not economically viable for the state.
Timeline and Next Steps
This is not a quick fix. The memorandum of understanding is still being finalised.
After that, HIF must secure financing and customer contracts before making a final investment decision.
That decision could come by late 2027 or even during 2028, according to Búsqueda.
The long timeline means there is room for negotiation, but also ample opportunity for the deal to unravel.
For investors, the critical question is political will.
If the two sides cannot bridge the US$5 per megawatt-hour gap, the project stalls.
If they can, Uruguay secures its energy future and a generational economic boost.
More: Uruguay news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Sources: Uruguay’s government and state utility UTE; El País (Uruguay); Reuters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HIF Global project in Uruguay?
It is a green hydrogen and synthetic fuels mega-project planned for Paysandú. It aims to produce 880,000 tons of synthetic fuels annually using wind and solar power, with a total estimated investment of US$5.385 billion to US$6 billion, depending on the source.
Why is the project at risk?
The final investment contract has not been signed. The government believes the electricity tariff of US$40 per megawatt-hour sought by the company does not close economically for Uruguay, while state utility the state utility is pushing for US$45 per megawatt-hour with conditions.
Could the investment really move to Paraguay?
Former official Álvaro Delgado warned on Friday that this is a real risk if negotiations stall. The government is working to keep the project in Uruguay but has not confirmed any relocation plans.
When will a final decision be made?
After the memorandum of understanding is completed, HIF needs financing and customer contracts. Búsqueda reports the final investment decision could come by late 2027 or during 2028.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated AI newsroom. Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief. How we use AI · Report an error