The public-private collaboration developed since 2024 involves Walmart Chile, Copec, Marval Clean Logistics, IEE and Mining3 Chile. Copec leads the refueling infrastructure implementation, leveraging its 91 years of fuel distribution experience in Chile. Walmart Chile contributes its green hydrogen production plant at Quilicura, surplus hydrogen output from existing operations, and access to a distribution hub handling hundreds of daily truck movements. The retailer previously inaugurated its green hydrogen production facility in 2023 through a partnership with ENGIE, involving approximately $15 million investment.
The hydrolinera enables truck refueling in approximately 20 minutes for empty tanks, supporting vehicles with operational range exceeding 600 kilometers. These specifications address critical heavy transport requirements for autonomy, power and operational continuity that make freight decarbonization technically challenging. Mining Economy and Mining Minister Daniel Mas attended the inauguration alongside Corfo executive vice president José Mujica, emphasizing the government’s interest in hydrogen applications for sectors difficult to electrify.
Initial operations involve two hydrogen-powered trucks operated by Marval, with gradual incorporation to evaluate performance across different routes. The first vehicle completed its inaugural hydrogen refueling at the ceremony before departing for Walmart’s Lider store in Huechuraba. Beginning October 2026, regular delivery operations will span Metropolitan Santiago, Valparaíso and Rancagua regions. Marval general manager Guillermo Barros identified public-private partnerships as essential for advancing such deployments beyond laboratory conditions.
The project estimates annual prevention of 380 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to removing approximately 83 gasoline vehicles from circulation for one year. Beyond immediate logistics applications, the inclusion of Mining3 Chile in the consortium signals potential relevance for mining transport decarbonization. Heavy mining equipment faces similar challenges of autonomy requirements and operational intensity that make battery electrification problematic.
Hidrohaul extends beyond vehicle operations to develop local technical capabilities, including specialist training for hydrogen system operation and maintenance, plus workshop certification for hydrogen truck service. Walmart Chile projects scaling the technology at its El Peñón distribution center with a new green hydrogen plant and up to 10 trucks, with implementation planned from 2028. The pilot will generate operational data on fuel consumption, vehicle availability, charging times and infrastructure reliability necessary to determine commercial viability and potential expansion to mining applications.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
