In Switzerland, approximately 70 drivers used HIF e-fuels during the Arosa ClassicCar mountain competition for the second consecutive year, testing product performance in historic vehicles under demanding operational conditions. The company also completed its third consecutive season supplying the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, where more than 30 vehicles competed in eight races across European circuits using HIF synthetic fuels. The racing applications provide critical performance data under extreme stress conditions that validate commercial-grade reliability.
The demonstrations draw on production from the Haru Oni facility in Punta Arenas, Chile, operational since 2022 and certified under ISCC EU Rfnbo standards for 2025 and 2026. The plant represents the world’s first fully operational e-fuel production facility and has attracted over 3,300 visitors including Uruguayan government officials and business representatives, indicating cross-border interest in the technology transfer potential.
In Uruguay, HIF Global continues developing a Paysandú-based production facility designed to manufacture e-methanol, e-gasoline, sustainable aviation fuel and e-diesel using green hydrogen feedstock. The project targets transportation and mobility sectors, positioning Uruguay within the emerging South American synthetic fuel production corridor alongside Chile’s established operations. The planned product portfolio addresses multiple transport segments from automotive to aviation, expanding market addressability beyond the racing and heritage vehicle niches demonstrated in recent events.
Site selection for the Uruguay facility remains under discussion following confirmation from Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin that the original location will be relocated. Environmental groups have raised concerns about potential transboundary impacts if the plant moves to the Paysandú Industrial Park near ANCAP facilities, noting proximity to the Uruguay River and Argentine communities remains similar to the initial proposed location. The relocation reflects broader challenges in siting large-scale industrial hydrogen and synthetic fuel projects where environmental considerations intersect with binational regulatory frameworks.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
