H2LAC: Partnership Between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean

SAO PAULO, Brazil – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) hosted the panel “Japan–Latin America Hydrogen and Ammonia Partnership” during the 5th Hydrogen Congress for Latin America and the Caribbean (H2LAC 2025), held in São Paulo, Brazil. The event was organized by New Energy Events and sponsored by the IDB. The session brought together key Japanese stakeholders and regional leaders to explore opportunities for collaboration in green hydrogen and ammonia—sectors where Latin America’s potential along with the IDB’s support and Japan’s expertise could form a powerful alliance.

H2LAC is the largest international conference in the region focused on advancing the hydrogen and ammonia economy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This fifth edition, held from July 15 to 16, 2025, brought together government officials, international organizations, private sector companies, and financial institutions to explore the trends and potential for cooperation in production, transportation, and utilization of green hydrogen. Key themes included domestic and international market development for renewable hydrogen, public-private financing partnerships, and regional policy trends, offering a multifaceted view toward building an international hydrogen value chain.

Held on July 16 as part of the IDB’s technical cooperation entitled “Support for Promoting a Clean Ammonia Economy”, funded by the Japan Trust Fund, the session focused on strengthening Japan and the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) collaboration. Panelists explored potential partnerships from policy, financial, and technological perspectives.  In addition to the Clean Ammonia Economy Promotion Program, the (IDB) also supports the development of national hydrogen strategies and roadmaps in Paraguay and Costa Rica, through funding from the Japan Trust Fund.

With its abundant renewable energy, the region offers strong potential for the large-scale production of green hydrogen and ammonia. Japan, aiming to build a stable and diversified international supply network, sees LAC as a strategic partner. Speakers highlighted the possibilities for Japan to provide financial resources, technology, and policy support in building international supply chains geared toward the Japanese market, as well as promoting local production and consumption across LAC.

The panel marked a timely opportunity to deepen future economic cooperation between Japan and Brazil, as the two nations celebrate 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. Looking ahead, upcoming ministerial-level meetings at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and existing memoranda of understanding with various LAC countries are expected to further enhance public-private green hydrogen and ammonia-related partnerships.

The IDB Group remains committed to fostering sustainable economic and social development of the Latin America and Caribbean by leveraging the knowledge and technologies of partner countries, including Japan.  The shared vision between Japan and the region represents a unique opportunity to advance the energy transition, promote innovation, and build resilient, low-carbon economies.

Mr. Hideki KAMITATARA, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in the Brazil

Mr. Masayuki HAMAMATSU, Executive Managing Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean, JBIC

Mr. Kentaro KUNIKATA, Hydrogen Economy Expert, JICA

Mr. Yota MINATOYA, VP of Business Development, IHI Americas Inc.

Mr. Hiroshi TOMITA, Consulting Partner, ERM Japan