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Brazil is set to receive a R$20 billion investment for the production of green hydrogen in the Northeast. With the promise of transforming the region into a sustainable energy hub and creating thousands of jobs, the project marks a new step towards the country's decarbonization.
The future of energy in Brazil is closer than ever to a green revolution of unprecedented proportions.
An ambitious project, which aims to transform the Northeast into a clean energy hub, promises billion-dollar benefits and thousands of jobs.
The Pecém Industrial and Port Complex, in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza (CE), was chosen as the stage for the installation of the largest production plant of country's green hydrogen.
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With an estimated investment of R$20 billion and the expectation of generating 5 thousand jobs, the project by the Australian multinational Fortescue is moving forward with the support of the federal and state governments.
The project, according to data from the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), has government authorization and stands out as the largest investment in green hydrogen production (H2V) in Brazil.
Green hydrogen is a form of sustainable fuel that uses carbon-free processes, resulting in a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
In a scenario of growing demand for clean energy, the initiative has everything to put Brazil in the spotlight in the global energy transition.
Preparation for the works begins later this year, with the company conducting environmental and engineering impact studies.
The final investment decision, which will give the green light for construction, is expected in 2025, Fortescue said.
The first phase of the project foresees the creation of a plant with a production capacity of 1,2 gigawatts (GW) per year, which could reach 2,1 GW in a future stage.
For comparison purposes, the Itaipu plant, one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world, has a capacity of 14 GW.
Fortescue: from mining to green energy
Founded in 2003 as a mining company, Fortescue Metals Group, now known simply as Fortescue, has turned its attention to green energy as part of its recent sustainable shift.
Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, the company reported revenue of $16 billion in 2023 and has ongoing projects in the United States, Australia, Morocco, Oman, among other countries.
According to Fortescue's country manager in Brazil, Luis Viga, “Brazil was chosen as one of the company’s priority projects in the world. Our green hydrogen plant will be a milestone for the country’s neo-industrialization.”
The company remains active in the mining sector, but has been standing out for its commitment to decarbonizing its operations, being a pioneer in this commitment among mining companies, as reported to the IstoÉ Dinheiro website.
Understand what green hydrogen is
Hydrogen, although it is the most abundant element in the universe, is not found in a pure state and needs to be isolated, which requires a large amount of energy.
Through a process called hydrolysis, it is possible extract hydrogen from water or biomass, as long as renewable sources are used.
This hydrogen produced without carbon emissions is considered “green” and thus ecologically advantageous.
The use of green hydrogen is not limited to a single application.
It can supply industrial sectors with specific energy needs, such as direct burning in furnaces and heaters, and is also used as fuel for rockets and even in H2-powered vehicles.
In Brazil, H2V is still used mainly in oil refining and fertilizer production.
With its non-carbon emission characteristic, it becomes one of the main bets for the decarbonization of the planet.
In the European Union, the European Hydrogen Bank finances initiatives involving this fuel, reflecting the potential of green hydrogen to drive a global shift to cleaner energy sources.
Pecém: strategic location for export
A The choice of Pecém as the location for the project is no coincidence.
The complex, the result of a partnership between the government of Ceará and the Port of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, has easy access to the international market and advantageous position for export, especially for the United States and Europe.
Furthermore, the existing infrastructure on site and the presence of 100 wind farms in Ceará make Pecém a strategic choice.
Ceará currently leads the production of green hydrogen in Brazil, concentrating 41% of investments, around R$ 110,6 billion, according to data from CNI.
Across the country, the H2V sector accounts for more than R$188 billion in investments.
Other areas close to ports also attract projects of this type, such as portos from Parnaíba (PI), Suape (PE) and Açu (RJ), which add up to billions in investments and continue to drive the development of H2V for export.
Green hydrogen and the future of the Brazilian market
Fortescue is also betting on the growth of the domestic green hydrogen market, predicting that in the future the fuel will be used in the production of fertilizers for agribusiness in the Midwest, in addition to applications in the steel, cement and ecological fuels sector distributed throughout the country.
The expectation is that the development of the national market will also enable the large-scale distribution of sustainable products, bringing economic and environmental benefits to various regions.
This project places Brazil in a prominent position in the global clean energy sector, with the potential to attract investment, generate employment and consolidate the country as a reference in the development of sustainable technologies.
Will green hydrogen finally transform Brazil into a global sustainable powerhouse?
