During his mission to Chile, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, participated in the signing and launch of three major initiatives under EU-LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda. 

They show  Europe’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Chile on clean energy leadership, boosting innovation in the mining sector, and creating new opportunities for both local and European communities and businesses.

1. Global Gateway Renewable Hydrogen (GH2) Funding Platform

2. EIB Loan to BancoEstado (Renewable Energy & Efficiency)

3. Launch of the “OptiMiner” Project

1. Global Gateway Renewable Hydrogen (GH2) Funding Platform

In a ceremony attended by Chile’s Minister of Finance and Minister of Energy, the European Investment Bank (EIB), KfW, and CORFO (Chile’s Economic Development Agency) formalized a EUR 216.5 million financing platform to accelerate renewable hydrogen production and development of user applications. Of this total,

• EUR 200 million (EUR 100 million each from EIB and KfW) takes the form of long-term loans,

• EUR 16.5 million comes from the EU’s Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility (LACIF).

The facility will support projects that tap Chile’s abundant solar and wind resources, producing clean hydrogen for domestic use and potential export. “By investing together with Chile into its hydrogen potential, we’re paving the way for a low-carbon future, while creating jobs, fostering local expertise, and ensuring reliable green energy supplies. This cooperation will also create new opportunities for European businesses and support the global fight against the climate change,” explained commissioner Síkela the importance of this agreement.

2. EIB Loan to Banco Estado (Renewable Energy & Efficiency)

A second agreement was signed between the EIB and Banco Estado for a EUR 105 million loan aimed at financing renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects across Chile. The funds will help small businesses, municipalities, and households implement green upgrades, from installing solar panels to retrofitting existing facilities. 

“Chile’s transition toward clean energy must reach not only its big industries but also local communities and smaller enterprises. This partnership with Banco Estado shows Europe’s resolve to empower the entire Chilean society in the green transition,” highlighted Commissioner Síkela.

3. Launch of the “OptiMiner” Project

Commissioner Síkela also took part in the public launch of OptiMiner, an EUR 8.2 million initiative supported by the EU’s Horizon Europe program. Led in Chile by the German research institute Fraunhofer, with partners from Chile and other EU Member States, OptiMiner will optimize extraction and processing of critical raw materials - especially copper and lithium - by introducing advanced digital and environmental solutions.

This cross-border R&D effort is set to reduce water and energy usage in mining while strengthening Chile’s role in global raw material supply chains critical to Europe’s e-mobility and clean energy ambitions.

These agreements signings were part of the whole agenda of Commissioner Síkela’s broader agenda in Chile, which included meetings with government officials, private sector leaders, and international financial institutions. Each agreement and project launch reflects the European Union’s dedication to sustainable investment, technological collaboration, and a fair, inclusive energy transition in Latin America.