Microbify starts activities in Latin America - An interview with H2NEWS Chile

Microbify’s recent interview with H2NEWS Chile conducted by Grace Keller, we had the opportunity to discuss one of the most underestimated challenges of the energy transition: the role of microorganisms in hydrogen and gas infrastructure. 

Co-founder and managing director of Microbify GmbH Dr. Linda Dengler in an interview with H2NEWS Chile.

Grace Keller is the Founder and Director of H2NEWS, Vice President of H2 Chile, and a member of Women in Green Hydrogen. Through her work, she connects international hydrogen developments with the rapidly growing Latin American market and actively promotes female leadership within the energy sector. 

Our core topic: Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) 

The central focus of the interview was our work at Microbify and the increasing relevance of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in hydrogen infrastructure.

Our Co-founder and managing director Dr. Linda Dengler explained that certain microorganisms, can use hydrogen as an energy source. In doing so, they produce corrosive by-products such as hydrogen sulfide and organic acids, which accelerate material degradation. 

While MIC has been known in the oil and gas industry for decades, its importance is growing significantly as hydrogen infrastructure scales. Hydrogen-rich environments can intensify microbial activity, especially when existing infrastructure is repurposed for hydrogen transport or storage. 

 “Microbiology must be integrated into hydrogen project planning and construction from the very beginning, not only once corrosion damage becomes visible.” - Dr. Linda Dengler

Insights from Europe’s first commercial hydrogen storage facility

We also shared our experience from the GET H2 project and our collaboration with RWE Gas Storage West in developing Europe’s first commercial underground hydrogen storage facility. 

By integrating microbiological expertise already in the planning phase, we were able to implement advanced methods for isolating and identifying microorganisms in gas storage facilities and connected infrastructure. This enables operators to predict microbial processes, adjust operational parameters proactively, and prevent long-term damage. 

These lessons are particularly relevant for countries like Chile, where large-scale hydrogen production and geological storage options are currently being evaluated.

Latin America as growing market for MIC 

Latin America presents a unique energy landscape in which expanding renewable hydrogen projects coexist with established oil and gas infrastructure. 

This coexistence creates significant demand for advanced microbial diagnostics, monitoring systems, and sustainable mitigation strategies.

In addition to consulting and diagnostics, we are developing targeted and sustainable alternatives to conventional biocides. Traditional biocides are often toxic, environmentally harmful, and may lose effectiveness over time. Our goal is to create long-term solutions that ensure infrastructure integrity across both fossil and renewable energy systems. 

Conclusion 

The conversation with Grace Keller reinforced a crucial point: the success of the hydrogen economy will not depend solely on electrolyzers, investment volumes, or production capacity. 

The “invisible” microbial dimension plays a decisive role in infrastructure durability, safety, and economic performance – not only in Europe, but globally.