Andrea, an MBA from Indianatech and a Chemical Civil Engineer from the University of Concepción, boasts over 14 years of expertise in the energy and fuel sectors. She has spearheaded more than 25 projects focusing on renewable energy and sustainable fuel production since 2009. With significant experience in research, project management, and knowledge transfer, she excels in both academic and professional realms. As a co-founder and former Director of the Chilean Hydrogen Association (H2 Chile), Andrea has been instrumental in promoting hydrogen as a key energy vector. She currently manages the Hydrogen and Sustainability Unit at the Institute of Technological Research, University of Concepción, where she is a pivotal figure in the Biobío region's green hydrogen ecosystem development. Additionally, she is the Managing Director of Continua Soluciones SpA, an engineering and training firm she founded in Osorno, Chile.
Andrea's professional experience in the hydrogen and renewable energy sectors spans various significant roles, showcasing her leadership, project management, and technical expertise:
April 2022 – Present: University of Concepción
Position: Manager, Hydrogen and Sustainability Unit, IIT
Responsibilities:
Establishing the Hydrogen Unit to promote hydrogen ecosystem development in the Biobío region.
Coordinating the "Strategic Green Hydrogen Alliance for Biobío" project.
Securing funding for enabling projects within the ecosystem.
Leading collaborative renewable hydrogen projects in central-southern Chile.
January 2020 – April 2022: Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción
Position: Technological Manager
Responsibilities:
Managing the FIC Biobío Pellets project.
Creating corporate image and communication guidelines.
Technical collaboration with small and medium-sized pellet producers for process improvement.
May 2016 – February 2017: Comercial e Industrial PETROLINE S.A.
Position: Head of Sales Department
Responsibilities:
Developing and expanding the Sales Department.
Evaluating new product lines, increasing sales volumes, and expanding client and distributor networks.
Presenting product homologation projects to the SEC, and exploring new markets.
Training sales forces and generating economic and commercial management reports.
October 2014 – April 2016: Comercial e Industrial PETROLINE S.A.
Position: Project Engineer
Responsibilities:
Registering liquid fuel installations with the SEC.
Selling and managing fuel installation projects.
Analyzing regulations for aviation fuel tanks.
March 2014 – August 2014: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Environmental Protection Agency
Position: Project Professional
Responsibilities:
Conducting technical and economic feasibility studies for methane recovery energy projects.
Estimating methane potential in landfills and evaluating greenhouse gas reduction impacts.
November 2013 – February 2014: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Position: National Advisor
Responsibilities:
Developing a profile for GEF funding for biogas projects.
Summarizing regulatory, economic, technical, and commercial frameworks for biogas energy development in Chile's dairy sector.
December 2009 – October 2013: Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico (UDT)
Position: Project Engineer
General Activities:
Acting Executive Director (Feb 2012).
Preparing and evaluating multiple national and international projects and public tenders.
Liaising with companies and public entities.
Leading project proposals for national bioenergy strategies and biogenic methane fuel usage.
Managing multiple large-scale renewable energy and bioenergy projects, including international seminars and workshops.
Conclusions:
Andrea's extensive background in project management, renewable energy, and hydrogen technology demonstrates her ability to lead complex initiatives and foster industry-academic collaborations. Her work has significantly contributed to advancing the renewable energy sector in Chile, particularly in the Biobío region. Andrea's leadership in hydrogen ecosystem development positions her as a key player in Chile's transition to sustainable energy solutions.