Japan-Mexico Clean Hydrogen Forum in Mexico

Mr. HOSOKAWA from JBIC Panel discussion with Mr. NAKANO from JBIC Mr. HIDAKA from JBIC

On September 5, 2024, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Representative Office in Mexico City held the Japan-Mexico Clean Hydrogen Forum in Mexico City jointly with Cámara Japonesa de Comercio e Industria de México, A.C. (Cámara) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

The Clean Hydrogen Forum was organized by JETRO in conjunction with the activities of Cámara's Hydrogen Subcommittee^*1 so that hydrogen experts from both countries can exchange information and opinions. Also, at the forum, JBIC presented the results of a survey conducted in August 2023 on the hydrogen business in Mexico and the feasibility of collaborating with Japanese companies. The event is a united initiative by the Japanese community in Mexico that involves parties from industry, government, and academia with the goal of creating momentum to develop the hydrogen business environment and structure projects in the country.

The forum started with an opening address by Mr. NAKAJIMA, Director General of JETRO Mexico and a remark by Mr. KUGA, President of Cámara (Vice President of Toyota Motor Sales de México). Then Mr. HOSOKAWA from JBIC’s Representative Office in Mexico City presented the survey results, mentioning the potential of the country’s hydrogen business and the possibility of collaborating with Japanese companies.

It was followed by a panel discussion under the theme of “Potential and challenges for establishing hydrogen supply chains in Mexico.” Mr. Israel HURTADO, President & CEO of the Mexican Hydrogen Association, Mr. NAKAHATA Takao, Senior Economist of the Research & Analysis Department of JETRO, and Mr. NAKANO, Chief Representative of JBIC’s Representative Office in Mexico City, exchanged opinions on the possibilities and challenges of the hydrogen business in Mexico.

Then there was another panel discussion titled “Examples of hydrogen projects by state governments and non-Japanese companies.” Panelists from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and non-Japanese companies that are engaged in clean hydrogen projects in Mexico talked about the appeal and issues of the Mexican market, examples of hydrogen projects, and the importance of collaboration with state governments.

Furthermore, a panel discussion was held on the theme of “Examples of hydrogen projects by Japanese global companies and the potential of the Mexican market.” The panel comprised Mr. KUGA Takaaki (Toyota Motor Sales de México), Ms. SUGIYAMA Yuki (Mitsui de México), Mr. Ignacio GARCÍA (Mitsubishi Power de Mexico), and Mr. HIDAKA (Director, Energy Transformation Strategy Office of JBIC). After the companies introduced their hydrogen projects promoted in other countries as well as national hydrogen strategies and strategies for the social implementation of the hydrogen business, the panelists discussed the potential of the Mexican market. To conclude the session, they stressed that Team Japan is ready to support the Mexican government in establishing national strategies.

The forum ended with a closing address by Ms. SUGIYAMA, Chairperson of the Cámara's Social Infrastructure Committee (Vice President of Mitsui de México).

The forum attracted nearly 70 people from various sectors in Mexico, including Japanese and non-Japanese companies, federal and state government agencies, and academic organizations. Mexico possesses potential for developing hydrogen-related industry in terms of production, consumption, and prospective exports. On the other hand, it has been pointed out that the government did not provide a clear hydrogen strategy, related regulations, or incentives. The forum provided opportunities for networking and exchanging a wide range of opinions regarding necessary guidelines and steps to promote industrial development in the future. The forum was also featured in the Spanish media (Agencia EFE). 【(1) México y Japón buscan estrechar alianzas para hidrógeno limpio (efe.com), (2) Japón invita a México a la descarbonización con tecnología para obtener hidrógeno limpio (efe.com)】

As Japan's policy-based financial institution, JBIC will continue to support Japanese companies in creating business opportunities, promoting business, and making efforts for global decarbonization. At the same time, JBIC will contribute toward the further development of economic relations between Japan and other countries by collaborating closely with such overseas governments.