Punta Arenas, July 10th, 2025. Three years after its launch, the Laboratory established by HIF Global, the University of Magallanes (UMAG), and Empresas Gasco has reached a key milestone that reflects its contribution to the industry and scientific knowledge: over 50,000 analyses conducted. These tests are essential to ensure the quality of e-Fuels, advance in the exploration of synthetic liquefied gas (e-LG), and support the development of human capital in the region, strengthening Magallanes as a hub for applied science.
A concrete example of how scientific innovation can address complex global challenges like the urgent decarbonization of the planet.
"This laboratory represents the convergence of scientific innovation, industry, and territory. Here, we not only ensure the quality of our e-Fuels, but we also nurture local talent and generate applied knowledge from the southernmost tip of the world. We are building the capabilities needed to lead the energy transition from Magallanes to the world," said Juan Eduardo Gallardo, General Manager of HIF Magallanes.
Along the same lines, Sergio Cuitiño, Regional Energy Secretary of Magallanes, added: "These high-quality facilities ensure that the product being delivered meets the characteristics and requirements of international standards. As a government, we are very pleased to see such tangible progress. We hope this continues to develop over time, given the enormous challenge of building the green hydrogen and derivatives industry in the region."
"This commitment to research and the development of advanced human capital is a strong signal of scientific and technological decentralization. We are eagerly awaiting the approval of the Faro del Sur project, which will scale up production and consolidate Magallanes as a decarbonization hub, contributing synthetic fuels to the planet," stated José Maripani, Rector of UMAG.
Sergio Huepe, General Manager of Gasco Magallanes, also highlighted: "We are very pleased to have joined this R&D initiative through a laboratory that is now celebrating three years of operation. The tests conducted over this time have allowed us to confirm the technical feasibility of developing new energy solutions for our clients, particularly using this new synthetic liquefied gas (e-LG), which will also help reduce the carbon footprint of their operations."
Testing and development of advanced human capital
In 2024 alone, the laboratory averaged 96 tests per day, with those related to e-Gasoline being the most frequent (55.4% of the total). Since its inauguration, the lab has conducted over 50,000 tests, including distillation and vapor pressure tests, DHA (Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis), and RON (Research Octane Number) evaluations.
Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, the lab also reflects HIF's commitment to developing advanced human capital: most of its members were trained in Magallanes and now contribute their expertise to this cutting-edge synthetic fuel operation.
Over the past three years, the lab has also served as a training space. It has hosted professional internships and given rise university theses on topics such as industrial wastewater treatment and quality management systems. Investment in innovation and technology enables process improvements and, in turn, greater productivity.
With over a hundred visitors in the past year—among them government officials, academics from Chile and abroad, investors, and community representatives—the HIF Laboratory is now a platform connecting industry, science, and education, with Magallanes at the center of e-Fuels development for the future.
About HIF Global
HIF Global is the world's leading e-Fuels company developing large infrastructure projects to recycle CO2 and produce hydrogen-based fuels for existing cars, ships and planes. The name HIF represents the mission of the company: to provide Highly Innovative Fuels that advance global energy sustainability. HIF is producing e-Fuels today at its HIF Haru Oni e-Fuels facility in Chile and is developing commercial-scale e-Fuels facilities in United States, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, and Australia. For more information, visit www.hifglobal.com.