Collaborative Efforts Between Argentina and Uruguay on Green…

Rogelio Frigerio and Yamandú Orsi met in Montevideo to discuss the prevention of conflicts over a green hydrogen plant in Paysandú, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue to prevent tensions like those experienced in the early 2000s. The leaders also committed to ensuring the project’s environmental sustainability while pursuing additional cooperative projects in the region.

In a recent meeting in Montevideo, Rogelio Frigerio, the Governor of Entre Ríos, and Yamandú Orsi, the President of Uruguay, emphasized the necessity of preventing disputes over the proposed green hydrogen plant in Paysandú. They underscored that the dialogue must remain intact to avoid conflicts reminiscent of past tensions, particularly those experienced during the early 2000s over the Botnia pulp mill issue.

Both leaders acknowledged the community’s concerns regarding the environmental impact of the HIF Global plant on tourism in Colón, Entre Ríos. Frigerio articulated this concern, highlighting the need for the project to coexist with the city’s primary economic focus—tourism. In response, Orsi expressed his commitment to engage all relevant stakeholders in ongoing discussions to address these issues collectively.

Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin stressed the importance of a cooperative stance between Argentina and Uruguay in managing shared projects. He remarked, “Let what happened with the bridges never happen again,” alluding to the blockades over the Botnia pulp mill that caused significant border disruptions. Both governments pledged to ensure that the Paysandú plant adheres to standards emphasizing complementarity and environmental sustainability.

Frigerio and Orsi also agreed to pursue additional strategic regional projects beyond the green hydrogen agenda. Such projects include dredging the Uruguay River to enhance navigability, planning a deep-water port in Soriano, and strengthening the waterway, which is vital for regional trade. These initiatives are expected to foster economic integration between Paraguay, northern Argentina, and Uruguay.

The collaborative efforts between Argentina and Uruguay, led by Frigerio and Orsi, are aimed at preventing conflicts over the green hydrogen project while promoting mutual economic interests. Their dialogues and commitments to address environmental concerns underline the importance of diplomatic relations. The outlined strategic projects further enhance regional cooperation, which is essential for sustained economic development.

Original Source: hydrogen-central.com