On the shores of San Gregorio Bay lie the remains of a rusted ship, witnesses to the passage of time and human activity in a natural environment that now faces new threats from industrial projects. The Magallanes region is at a crucial moment in its history, facing a green hydrogen project that, under the banner of the energy transition, could bring negative consequences for its unique ecosystems and local communities.
San Gregorio, besides being a home to people, is a natural sanctuary with unique wetlands and steppes in the world that shelter endangered species, such as the red-throated diver. Experts warn that the HNH project is out of scale for the territory and would entail irreparable impacts on local ecosystems.
Despite promises of development and clean energy, the lack of adequate territorial planning jeopardizes the sensitive ecosystems of the region. The construction of desalination plants and wind turbines threatens the survival of species such as the red-throated diver and the Magellanic plover, which depend on the endangered steppes and wetlands.
The lack of scientific information and insufficient environmental impact studies raises serious doubts about the viability of the green hydrogen project in San Gregorio. The implementation of this megaproject could repeat the tragic scenario of sacrifice zones in other parts of Chile, where industry has left local communities without health, well-being, and has irreversibly affected ecosystems.
Despite promises of jobs and progress, the installation of wind turbines and desalination plants poses a threat to the ecosystems and the community of San Gregorio. The region's vulnerability, coupled with the lack of citizen consultation and territorial planning, raises serious doubts about the true benefits of this green hydrogen project.
The potential impacts on marine and terrestrial biodiversity, as well as on local communities, are a cause for concern among experts and environmental advocates. As the project advances, the need to comprehensively evaluate its social, environmental, and economic implications becomes increasingly urgent to ensure sustainable and fair development in the Magallanes region.