University of Groningen and University of La Guajira sign letter of intent

The University of Groningen has signed a letter of intent with the University of La Guajira (Colombia). Jouke de Vries, President of the Board of the UG, signed the letter in Groningen this afternoon. With the signing, the universities aim to strengthen cooperation in areas such as green hydrogen and related sustainable technologies.

A delegation from Colombia visited the Academy Building, Entrance and Energy Academy Europe today. During the meeting, they spoke with Prof. Aravind Velayani (high-efficiency energy conversion and director of Hydrogen Economy, Wubbo Ockels School for Energy & Climate), Prof. Bayu Jayawardhana (smart energy systems) and Prof. Lorenzo Squintani (energy law and director of the Wubbo Ockels School) to further shape the proposed collaboration. 

The plans include developing programmes for academic and scientific exchanges, with a focus on advancing research and education in the field of green hydrogen and related sustainable technologies. Specifically, this involves designing joint research projects, exchanging students and staff, and exploring joint PhD or postdoctoral programmes. Efforts are also being made to establish a centre of expertise in the field of hydrogen in La Guajira.

The La Guajira region aims to become a key location for hydrogen production. The proposed collaboration between the two universities is closely aligned with the internationalisation strategy of Hydrogen Valley Campus Europe (HVCE), an international hub in the northern Netherlands for hydrogen and green molecules. HVCE wants to collaborate with countries that have the ambition to become leaders in hydrogen exports.