Regional Green Hydrogen Training Program: “Risk and Regulatory Aspects” and “Sustainability of the Value Chain”

1.  Introduction

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in its capacity as an accredited entity to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), signed a cooperation agreement to implement the regional project “Advancing a Regional Approach to the Green Hydrogen Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean”. Within the framework of this initiative, a regional virtual training program was designed, hosted on OLACDE’s capevLAC platform, aimed at strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of beneficiary countries in the region regarding the green hydrogen economy and decarbonization.

 

Latin America and the Caribbean have exceptional potential for the production and export of green hydrogen and Power-to-X derivatives. However, the commercial scaling of this industry faces complex challenges linked to process risk management, the absence of harmonized regulatory frameworks, uncertainty in bankability, and the need to certify socio-environmental sustainability and compliance with multilateral safeguards. The fundamental purpose of this course is to equip professionals in the region with analytical and applied tools to evaluate, regulate, design, and execute sustainable green hydrogen projects, ensuring a just, safe, and competitive energy transition to future challenges.

 

2. Curriculum Presentation

Modality:

The program is delivered in a virtual (mixed) modality, combining asynchronous training (self-paced) structured on OLACDE’s capevLAC (Moodle) platform with interactive synchronous instances to address technical queries and case analysis.

Structure and Modules:

The curriculum contemplates two (2) specialized courses, each composed of four (4) modules lasting 90 minutes. Each module has its specific themes, and the program includes an individual final exam per course, using the real case of the HIF chain in Magallanes (Chile) as a transversal guiding thread, with contrasts from Brazil and regional references.

 

Course 1: Risk and Regulatory Aspects of the Hydrogen Value Chain

(Within the framework of the call, this corresponds to Course 2 of OLACDE’s global proposal)

• Module 1: Main Risks (4 sessions / topics)

Overview: Examines factors that can impede project operation, linking technological, regulatory, environmental, and economic risks (LCOH, buyer assurance, offtake), as well as management mechanisms, transfer through insurance, guarantees, and voluntary sustainability practices.

• Module 2: Regulatory Framework (3 sessions / topics)

Overview: Addresses State actions for project viability: public policies (roadmaps and laws), safety standards, transition to technical regulations, demand promotion/subsidy instruments, and regional/international regulatory harmonization processes.

• Module 3: Certifications and Standards (3 sessions / topics)

Overview: Analyzes how the producer demonstrates buyer requirements through certificates of origin and low emissions; reviews quality, sustainability, and safety standards, as well as audit processes, independent verification, and traceability.

• Module 4: certHILAC (3 sessions / topics)

Overview: Focuses on the regional certification system promoted by OLACDE and the IDB, detailing its background, governance, criteria (emissions, water, communities, land), additional European market requirements, and its comparison against other global schemes.

 

Course 2: Sustainability of the Green Hydrogen Value Chain

(Within the framework of the call, this corresponds to Course 3 of OLACDE’s global proposal)

• Module 1: Life Cycle and Emissions (3 sessions / topics)

Overview: Measures the actual footprint of green hydrogen through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), analyzing system boundaries, carbon footprint methodologies (ISO, IPHE, European regulations), “carbon neutrality” declarations, and quantitative comparisons against other energy sources.

• Module 2: Environmental and Social Impacts (3 sessions / topics)

Overview: Identifies the territorial footprints of the project: water use per basin, brine management, supply chain waste, effects on biodiversity, social justice, indigenous consultation, gender gaps, and regional case studies.

• Module 3: Sustainable Production Strategies (3 sessions / topics)

Overview: Presents design and operational decisions to mitigate impacts: integration with firm renewable energies, energy efficiency indicators, design for waste minimization/reuse, and comparative analysis of electrolysis technologies (Alkaline, PEM, SOEC, AEM).

• Module 4: Green Climate Fund Standards (3 sessions / topics)

Overview: Explains the evaluation criteria of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for financing projects; details its environmental and social safeguards (based on IFC standards), gender and indigenous peoples policies, and best practices for regional documentation and implementation.

Classes will be in a virtual format, with the participation of the technical team and interactive sessions to address participant queries within the allowed pedagogical time.

 

3. General Objective of the Curriculum

To develop and consolidate analytical, regulatory, methodological, and socio-environmental capacities in participants to evaluate, regulate, design, and oversee green hydrogen projects and their derivatives throughout their value chain in Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting sustainable production aligned with international standards and climate financing.

 

4. Curriculum Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of the training program, the student will be able to:

• Evaluate and manage the operational and financial risk matrix: Identify and classify technological, regulatory, environmental, and economic risks in green hydrogen projects, applying methodological evaluation tools (HAZOP, APR, What-If) and selecting contractual instruments (offtake, Take-or-Pay) and insurance coverage for project bankability.
• Interpret and analyze sectoral regulatory frameworks: Differentiate the hierarchy of public policy instruments (strategies, laws, safety regulations) and identify regulatory gaps in Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting regional harmonization processes and demand incentives.
• Apply market certification and traceability standards: Interpret international safety and quality standards (ISO/TC 197 family), structuring checklists for independent audits, and evaluating the eligibility criteria of the certHILAC regional certification system against the requirements of destination markets.
• Quantify the carbon footprint and perform Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Measure and compare the emission intensity of green hydrogen in its different phases using standardized methodologies (ISO, IPHE, European standards), quantitatively contrasting it against other substitute energy and fossil sources.
• Design strategies for socio-environmental impact management: Formulate mitigation measures for pressure on water basins, brine and effluent management, biodiversity protection, and citizen and indigenous consultation mechanisms under environmental justice criteria and Environmental Impact Assessment System frameworks following case studies in different Latin American and Caribbean countries.
• Optimize sustainable production processes and energy efficiency: Analyze technological solutions for direct coupling between electrolysis and renewable sources (solar/wind), technically comparing the different electrolyzer technologies (alkaline, PEM, SOEC, AEM) and applying circular economy and waste minimization criteria.
• Implement the environmental and social safeguards of the Green Climate Fund (GCF): Integrate the GCF’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) framework into the design of green hydrogen projects, applying its eight performance standards (IFC), gender policies, and indigenous peoples’ participation for the preparation of bankable proposals.

 

5. Participant Profile

The Regional Training Program in the Green Hydrogen Economy is primarily aimed at government officials and strategic actors in the energy sector of OLACDE member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The multidisciplinary profile includes the following professionals:

 

• Public Officials, Regulators, and Policymakers: Professionals, advisors, and decision-makers from Ministries of Energy, Environment, Economy, Industry, and Transport, as well as regulatory agencies, electricity and fuel superintendencies, and government oversight institutions.
• Permitting and Sectoral Regulation Specialists: Lawyers, regulatory consultants, and managers in charge of processing sectoral permits, facility safety declarations (e.g., ISO/TC 197 standard, safety regulations), and compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA).
• Process and Energy Project Engineers: Planners, technical designers, and professionals dedicated to feasibility engineering, sizing of electrolysis plants, compression, storage, and derived Power-to-X projects (e-fuels, ammonia, methanol).
• Business Developers and Financial Managers: Project managers, financial analysts, and consultants focused on bankability (Project Finance), operational and economic risk management, structuring of offtake contracts, and hedging and insurance instruments.

• Environmental Consultants and Sustainability Specialists: Socio-environmental assessors, life cycle analysts (LCA), water resource management consultants, community engagement experts, and professionals responsible for verifying the environmental and social safeguards (ESMS) required by multilateral funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

 

6. Curriculum Intensity

The curriculum has a total intensity of 12 chronological hours of synchronous classes (equivalent to 16 pedagogical hours of 45 minutes). It is distributed into two specialized courses of 6 hours each. Each course consists of four 90-minute modules (2 pedagogical hours), and each module is divided into three 30-minute thematic sessions. Each course also includes an individual final exam and asynchronous material available on the capevLAC platform, which are not counted in the hourly load shown below.

 

Course 1: Risk and Regulatory Aspects of the Hydrogen Value Chain.

MODULE	SESSIONS	HOURLY LOAD
Module 1: Main Risks	Technological, economic, regulatory, and environmental risks	35 minutes
	Risk management and insurance	35 minutes
	Best practices for sustainable projects	20 minutes
Module 2: Regulatory Framework	Role of governments and public policies	25 minutes
	Safety standards, incentives, and subsidies	25 minutes
	International harmonization and regulatory success cases	40 minutes
Module 3: Certifications and Standards	Importance of certifications	30 minutes
	Quality, sustainability, and safety standards	30 minutes
	Audit processes and independent verification	30 minutes
Module 4: certHILAC	Introduction to the certHILAC scheme	20 minutes
	Certification criteria and requirements	40 minutes
	Comparison with other international schemes	30 minutes
TOTAL	12 sessions	6 hours (8 pedagogical hours)

 

Course 2: Sustainability of the Green Hydrogen Value Chain.

MODULE	SESSIONS	HOURLY LOAD
Module 1: Life Cycle and Emissions	Life cycle assessment and emissions	20 minutes
	Carbon footprint methodologies	30 minutes
	Comparison with other energy sources	40 minutes
Module 2: Environmental and Social Impacts	Water use, waste, and biodiversity	30 minutes
	Social impacts and social justice	35 minutes
	Regional case studies	25 minutes
Module 3: Sustainable Production Strategies	Use of renewable energies	30 minutes
	Energy efficiency and waste minimization	30 minutes
	Development of sustainable technologies	30 minutes
Module 4: Green Climate Fund Standards	Introduction to the GCF and its safeguards	30 minutes
	Application of safeguards in green hydrogen projects	30 minutes
	Best practices for implementation	30 minutes
TOTAL	12 sessions	6 hours (8 pedagogical hours)

Total program: 24 sessions, 12 chronological hours (16 pedagogical hours).

 

7. Registration Record

Participants must register as users at: https://capevcursos.olade.org/login/signup.php and then enroll in the curriculum through the following link: https://capevlac.olade.org/tecnologias/courses/programa-hidrogeno-verde-aspectos-de-riesgos-y-regulatorios-y-sostenibilidad-de-la-cadena-de-valor/

This curriculum is open-access and free of charge for OLACDE Member Countries as it is executed within the framework of the ETRELA project “Improving, increasing, and facilitating access to education and training in renewable energies in Latin America,” funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Government and in cooperation with [NAMES OF ALL COURSE COOPERATORS].

 

8. Training Methodology

All curriculum material, consisting of lessons, links for each synchronous session, and reference and evaluation tools, will be stored in the OLACDE knowledge community: https://capevlac.olade.org/. The participant must log into this platform with the username and password registered at the time of enrollment.

 

The virtual sessions will be delivered in a synchronous online modality, which involves real-time interaction between instructors and participants using the OLACDE videoconferencing platform.

 

9. Intellectual Property

All material produced and distributed in this course must be used exclusively by the person registered for it. The use of the material for purposes other than the training action itself must be consulted and approved by OLACDE.

10. Instructors

 

Marianela Soledad Miranda Rojas

Environmental, Quality, and Industrial Safety Engineer (2009), Master in Environment from the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC, 2020), and International Diploma in Comprehensive Safety from the Mapfre Foundation (Spain, 2007). She has 24 years of professional experience in environmental management, socio-environmental risk assessment, industrial process safety, and the processing of sectoral and sanitary permits in the chemical, energy-intensive, cellulose, and mining industries.

She has a solid track record in sustainability, permitting, and regulation for the green hydrogen and transition energy sector:

• Sustainability, Permits, and H2V Process Safety: Prepared the regulatory compliance documentary folders, the Integrated Safety and Risk System, and the Safety Manual for the Green Hydrogen, Power-to-Methanol (PtM), Methanol-to-Gasoline (MtG), and e-LPG processes of the HIF Global Haru Oni Pilot Project. Member of the consulting team for the technical proposal for the Regulation of Dedicated Hydrogen Dispensing Stations in Chile (SEC / MinEnergía / GIZ).
• Training and Project Evaluation: Coordinator and speaker for the editions of the Training Service in Regulation, Preparation, and Management of Permits for Green Hydrogen Projects for the Energy Sustainability Agency (AgenciaSE, 2024 and 2026). Member of the Technical Support team for evaluating applications for the Green Hydrogen Accelerator 3.0 of AgenciaSE (2024).
• Risk Studies and Sanitary Management: Expert in risk analysis methodologies (HAZOP, HAZID, What-If, Event Tree) and in processing sanitary and environmental authorizations for storage facilities for hazardous substances and effluents (Oxiquim, Gasco Magallanes, Mantos Copper, Mantos Blancos, Terquim). She previously worked as Head of the HSE Department at Acciona Infraestructuras and as ITO at Celulosa Arauco.

Email: marianela.miranda@wescompanycl.com

 

Marcel Eduardo Carpo Parra

Chemical Civil Engineer from the Universidad de Concepción (1996) with a Diploma in Business Administration and Management from the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (2011). He has 25 years of professional experience in EPC project management, operations, process engineering, risk management, and regulatory compliance in Oil & Gas, Renewable Hydrogen, and Power-to-X (PtX).

He has a vast applied background in regulation, certification, and risk management in the green hydrogen and clean energy industry:

• Hydrogen Regulation and Standards: Technical co-author in the preparation of the International Regulatory Diagnosis and the proposal for the Regulation of Dedicated Hydrogen Dispensing Stations in Chile together with the Ministry of Energy, SEC, and the GIZ Agency (2024). Engineer in charge of the declaration and legalization before the SEC of the green hydrogen, Power-to-Methanol (PtM), Methanol-to-Gasoline (MtG), and e-LPG processes for the HIF Global Haru Oni Pilot Project.
• International Committees and Evaluation: Technical Specialist of the National Institute of Standardization (INN) in the International Committee on Hydrogen Technologies ISO/TC 197 (2024). Technical evaluator for the Green Hydrogen Accelerator 3.0 of the Energy Sustainability Agency (AgenciaSE, 2024).
• Risk Analysis (HAZOP / QRA) and Training: Expert in operational risk studies (HAZOP, HAZID, QRA) for H2V production plants, e-fuels, and storage facilities (Haru Oni, Oxiquim, Gasmar, Gasco, Terquim). Project Manager in the Training Program on Green Hydrogen Regulation and Permitting for AgenciaSE (2024). Previously, he worked as a Process Engineer at Methanex Chile and Plant Manager at Abastible.

Email: marcel.carpo@wescompanycl.com

 

Andrés Ignacio Montecinos Molina

Environmental Engineer from the Universidad de Concepción (2022). Specialist in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), software modeling, advanced GIS mapping, and regulatory management for green hydrogen (H2V), ammonia, and e-fuels projects under safety and environmental impact regulations.

He has an outstanding technical and academic trajectory in energy and infrastructure projects:

• Regulation, Risks, and Declaration of H2V Projects: Co-author of the technical proposal for the Regulation of Dedicated Hydrogen Dispensing Stations in Chile (GIZ / WES / Ministry of Energy). Technical secretary in HAZOP methodologies, operational risk mitigation matrices, and declaration files before the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels of Chile (SEC, Chile) for industrial projects such as ENAP Cabo Negro, Colbún, HIF Global Haru Oni, and dispensing stations of the Abastible-Copec-Walmart agreement.
• Training and Higher Education: Speaker and content designer in the training program on regulation, permitting, and project management of H2V for the Energy Sustainability Agency (AgenciaSE). University professor in Life Cycle Assessment, Carbon Footprint Determination for NCRE, Environmental Management Systems, and Circular Economy at CFT Santo Tomás and CFT Lota Arauco UdeC.
• International Training and Exchange: Selected nationally by the Ministry of Energy and AgenciaSE to participate in the Second Green Hydrogen Technological Tour in Germany and the Netherlands (2026), conducting technical visits to industrial plants and gathering information on regulatory exchange and industrial scalability.

Email: andres.montecinos@wescompanycl.com

 

Imara Gamboa Caro

Chemical Civil Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV, 2020), with a Diploma in Energy Projects and a Diploma in Hydrogen Technologies from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC, 2023 and 2025). She has experience in large-scale industrial projects linked to the energy transition, evaluating technologies, process engineering, business development, and socio-environmental viability.

She stands out for her applied trajectory in the green hydrogen and derivatives ecosystem:

• Engineering, Technologies, and H2V Project Development: Project Engineer at MAE Holding for the Volta Project. Led technical evaluations of electrolysis technology, market/price modeling for fertilizers and maritime transport, planning of critical milestones, and technical coordination for environmental processing and community relations.
• Teaching, Outreach, and Regional Impact: Professor and lecturer in undergraduate and graduate programs at U. de Chile, PUC, PUCV, and UNAB on matters of large-scale project development, engineering, and environmental permitting. Co-author of the book “The Book of the Energy Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean” (ONG Uno. Cinco, 2025) and technical tutor at the LATAM Energy Transition Academy.
• International Training and Leadership: Selected by the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Sustainability Agency (AgenciaSE) for the Green Hydrogen Technological Tour in Germany (2025). Specialized training by the International PtX Hub / H2LAC in H2V and Power-to-X for maritime transport. Active member of the Women in Green Hydrogen (WiGH) and Women in Energy (AME) networks.

Email: imara.gamboa@gmail.com

 

Fabian Tarsetti Abarca

Mechanical Civil Engineer from the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (UTFSM), majoring in Energy (2016). Master in Energy Economics UTFSM, 2022 (ANID Scholarship). Courses in implementation of ISO 50.001 standard, Green Hydrogen – Opportunities and applications, advanced version, CORFO 2021, Company reconversion program for the implementation of EMS in 2024, and Safety systems for H2 plants, CIEM 2025.

Consultant on the Registry of the Energy Sustainability Agency (ASE, Chile).

Project Engineer at Gamma since May 2017 and Manager since 2022. Experience in energy efficiency studies, hydrogen and renewable fuels, cogeneration pre-feasibility, fuel market, preparation of gas concession application folders, asset valuation, and leader of regulatory processes for natural gas distribution companies.

 

Other:

• Participation in H2V Technological Tour in Germany (Munich). Selected to participate with the Ministry of Energy and ASE. May 2025.
• Speaker for the H2 Storage, Transport, and Distribution Module – Training Course on Regulation and Permit Management for the Implementation of H2V Projects and their derivatives, ASE 2026.

Email: ftarsetti@gamma.cl