Uruguay Kahirós Green Hydrogen Project

2026, this landmark project aims to drive Uruguay’s second energy transition by producing green hydrogen for heavy-duty forestry logistics trucks, reducing annual CO₂ emissions by 870 tons. As a key participant in the project’s electrical system construction, our team undertook the export of core wires and cables, providing reliable solutions for the project’s 8,000 solar panels, 2MW electrolyzer, and hydrogen refueling station. This case study details how we addressed the client’s pain points, leveraged our core advantages, and delivered high-quality products to support the smooth progress of Uruguay’s green energy initiative.In October 2024, the Uruguayan government officially launched the Kahirós Project, the country’s first green hydrogen production plant, located in Fray Bentos with a total investment of USD 38.6 million. Scheduled to start operations in 2026, this landmark project aims to drive Uruguay’s second energy transition by producing green hydrogen for heavy-duty forestry logistics trucks, reducing annual CO₂ emissions by 870 tons. As a key participant in the project’s electrical system construction, our team undertook the export of core wires and cables, providing reliable solutions for the project’s 8,000 solar panels, 2MW electrolyzer, and hydrogen refueling station. This case study details how we addressed the client’s pain points, leveraged our core advantages, and delivered high-quality products to support the smooth progress of Uruguay’s green energy initiative.

1. Urgent Needs and Pain Points in Green Hydrogen Construction

The Kahirós Project is a comprehensive green energy initiative led by Grupo Santander, with Montes del Plata as the end user of the green hydrogen produced. The project’s electrical system is the core of its operations, requiring wires and cables that can withstand harsh outdoor environments, meet international safety standards, and ensure stable power transmission for long periods—critical factors for the reliability of hydrogen production and refueling. Before cooperating with us, the client faced several major pain points that hindered project progress.

First, the project is located in Fray Bentos, where the climate is humid with frequent temperature fluctuations, and the wires need to be buried underground or laid outdoors, requiring strong moisture resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature tolerance. Many local suppliers could only provide ordinary wires that failed to meet the harsh environmental requirements, with a high risk of insulation aging and short circuits. Second, as an international green energy project, the client required all electrical products to have internationally recognized certifications, especially UL certification, to ensure compliance with Uruguayan and international electrical safety regulations. However, most suppliers in the market lacked formal UL certification, making their products ineligible for project use. Third, the project involved multiple electrical scenarios, including solar power generation, electrolyzer operation, and refueling station control, requiring a variety of wire types with specific specifications—suppliers with incomplete product lines could not meet the one-stop procurement needs, leading to inefficient coordination and delayed delivery.

After extensive market research, the client chose our company for cooperation, mainly due to our UL certification, rich experience in large-scale energy projects, complete product types, and reliable quality assurance—advantages that directly addressed their core pain points.

2. Matching Wire Types to Project Scenarios

Based on the project’s specific needs and on-site environmental conditions, we customized a complete wire supply solution, focusing on three core products: XHHW Wire, MV-90 Cable, and PLTC/ITC Cable. Each product was selected for its unique advantages, perfectly adapting to different scenarios of the Kahirós Project and surpassing alternative products in performance and reliability.

The first key product is XHHW Wire, specifically the XHHW-2 series with XLPE insulation—also known as XHHW XLPE insulated power cable. This wire was chosen for the project’s solar panel connection and underground power transmission lines, and we provided specifications including 12 AWG, 10 AWG, and 8 AWG to meet different current-carrying requirements. Compared with common THHN wires, XHHW Wire has obvious advantages: its XLPE insulation layer offers superior thermal stability, with a rated temperature of 90°C in both dry and humid environments, while THHN wires only reach 60°C in humid conditions. Additionally, the XLPE insulation is thicker and more durable, effectively resisting moisture, corrosion, and mechanical wear—making it ideal for underground and outdoor installations in the humid climate of Fray Bentos. Unlike THHN wires, which require additional protection when buried underground, XHHW wire can be directly buried without conduit, reducing construction costs and improving installation efficiency.

The second product is MV-90 Cable, which we provided in 15kV and 35kV specifications, with conductor sizes ranging from 25mm² to 120mm². This medium-voltage cable is used to transmit power from the solar power system to the electrolyzer and refueling station, requiring stable performance under high voltage and long-distance transmission. MV-90 Cable features cross-linked polyethylene insulation and a flame-retardant jacket, with excellent electrical insulation performance and fire resistance. Compared with traditional PVC-insulated medium-voltage cables, it has lower dielectric loss, higher current-carrying capacity, and better heat resistance, ensuring stable power transmission even during peak hydrogen production periods. Its flame-retardant and smoke-suppressant properties also meet the project’s strict fire safety requirements, reducing the risk of electrical fires in the energy-intensive environment of the hydrogen plant.

The third product is PLTC/ITC Cable, provided in 16 AWG 8-pair and 14 AWG 4-pair specifications, designed for the project’s instrumentation and control circuits. This cable is designed to meet stringent performance requirements, with a temperature range of -30°C to 105°C, making it suitable for the project’s outdoor and industrial control scenarios.It features a 100% aluminum polyester foil shield and tinned copper drain wire, effectively reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the electrolyzer and other electrical equipment, ensuring accurate signal transmission for the project’s control system. Unlike ordinary control cables, PLTC/ITC Cable is oil-resistant, sunlight-resistant, and moisture-resistant, and can be laid in cable trays, conduits, or directly buried—adapting to the project’s diverse installation needs. Its nylon ripcord design also facilitates on-site installation and maintenance, improving construction efficiency.

3. UL Certification and Strict Quality Control

For the Kahirós Project, safety is the top priority—any electrical failure could lead to interruptions in hydrogen production, equipment damage, or even safety accidents. Our core advantage in this cooperation lies in our complete UL certification and strict quality control system, which provided the client with full confidence in product safety and compliance.

All three core products—XHHW Wire, MV-90 Cable, and PLTC/ITC Cable—have obtained official UL certification. UL certification is a globally recognized mark of safety and quality, indicating that our products have undergone rigorous testing in electrical safety, fire resistance, environmental adaptability, and performance durability. This certification not only ensured compliance with Uruguayan electrical regulations but also met the project’s international standards, eliminating the client’s concerns about product eligibility and safety risks.

In addition to certification, we implemented strict quality control throughout the production process. From raw material procurement to finished product delivery, each link was subject to rigorous testing: we selected high-purity copper conductors to ensure low resistance and stable current transmission; the XLPE insulation material was imported from high-quality suppliers to ensure uniform thickness and excellent insulation performance; and each batch of products underwent voltage resistance, insulation resistance, and flame retardant tests before leaving the factory. We also provided the client with detailed quality inspection reports for each product, ensuring full transparency and traceability. Our quality control system not only meets UL’s follow-up audit requirements but also exceeds international industry standards, ensuring that the products can withstand the long-term operation needs of the green hydrogen project.

Furthermore, our company has rich experience in undertaking large-scale energy projects, including solar power plants, wind farms, and hydrogen production projects. This experience enabled us to accurately grasp the project’s technical requirements and potential risks, providing professional technical guidance to the client throughout the cooperation process—from product selection to on-site installation suggestions, further enhancing the safety and reliability of the electrical system.

4. fficient Coordination to Meet Project Deadlines

The Kahirós Project has a tight construction schedule, with the electrical system needing to be completed by the end of 2025 to ensure the plant starts operations in 2026. To meet this deadline, we established a dedicated project team to coordinate production, logistics, and customs clearance, ensuring efficient and on-time delivery.

After confirming the order, we prioritized the production of the project’s wires and cables, adjusting our production schedule to ensure that all products were manufactured within 45 days—10 days ahead of the agreed delivery time. During production, we maintained close communication with the client, providing weekly production progress reports and updating them on any potential issues, ensuring transparency and mutual trust. For logistics, we chose a professional international logistics company with rich experience in wire and cable transportation, using moisture-proof and anti-collision packaging to protect the products from damage during long-distance shipping. We also handled all customs clearance procedures in advance, including preparing certification documents, product specifications, and import declarations, ensuring that the goods arrived at the Fray Bentos construction site smoothly within 15 days of shipment.

Upon arrival of the goods, our technical team provided remote guidance to the client’s construction team, explaining the installation requirements and precautions for each wire type. We also arranged for on-site technical support if needed, ensuring that the installation process was smooth and that the products performed as expected. This efficient delivery and after-sales service solved the client’s concerns about delayed delivery and installation difficulties, laying a solid foundation for the project’s on-time progress.

5. Win-Win Cooperation for Green Energy Development

Thanks to our tailored solutions, high-quality products, and efficient service, the electrical system of the Kahirós Project was completed on schedule, and all wires and cables have been operating stably since the trial run. The project is now in the final commissioning stage, and is expected to produce 77 tons of green hydrogen annually, consuming 7.2 GW of renewable energy each year—making a significant contribution to Uruguay’s carbon neutrality goals.

Our products have performed exceptionally well in the project: the XHHW XLPE insulated power cable has maintained stable insulation performance in the humid underground environment, with no signs of aging or leakage; the MV-90 Cable has ensured stable high-voltage power transmission, supporting the continuous operation of the electrolyzer; and the PLTC/ITC Cable has effectively resisted electromagnetic interference, ensuring accurate signal transmission for the control system. The client’s project team highly recognizes the quality and performance of our products, noting that our solutions not only solved their core pain points but also reduced long-term maintenance costs.

From a cooperation perspective, our partnership with the Kahirós Project has not only expanded our presence in the Uruguayan green energy market but also demonstrated our strength in large-scale energy project cooperation. The client has expressed a willingness to continue cooperating with us for future expansion projects, and has recommended our company to other green energy projects in the region—laying a solid foundation for our long-term development in the South American market.

6. Cooperation Value and Call to Action

The cooperation on the Uruguay Kahirós Green Hydrogen Project fully demonstrates our core value: we provide customers with reliable, compliant, and tailored wire and cable solutions, helping them overcome challenges in project construction and achieve their development goals. Our UL certification ensures product safety and compliance, our complete product line meets diverse project needs, our rich experience in large-scale energy projects provides professional support, and our efficient delivery and after-sales service ensures project progress.

If you are undertaking green energy, industrial, or commercial projects that require high-quality, certified wires and cables, we are your trusted partner. Whether you need XHHW Wire, MV-90 Cable, PLTC/ITC Cable, or other types of wires and cables, we can provide customized solutions that meet your specific needs. Our UL-certified products, strict quality control, and professional service will help you avoid project risks, reduce costs, and ensure project success.

Contact us today to discuss your project needs and get a professional quote:

Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd.

Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592

Email: manager01@greaterwire.com

We look forward to cooperating with you to create a sustainable green future together.