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Petrobras will build its first renewable hydrogen plant, investing R$90 million in the project with water electrolysis from solar energy.
Imagine an energy revolution in Brazil: Petrobras, giant in the oil sector, is ready to open a new chapter in its history with the construction of its first renewable hydrogen pilot plant.
This ambitious project, estimated at R$90 million, not only places the company at the forefront of the energy transition, but also marks a significant advance in the search for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
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According to the company, Petrobras' first renewable hydrogen pilot plant will be installed in Açu Valley Thermoelectric Plant, located in Alto do Rodrigues, in Rio Grande do Norte.
In cooperation with the Senai Institute for Innovation in Renewable Energies (Senai ISI-ER), the project will be executed by WEG, a renowned Brazilian electrification company with global recognition.
According to Petrobras' forecast, the plant should be operating from the first quarter of 2026.
Green hydrogen and water electrolysis technology
Renewable hydrogen, also known as green hydrogen, will be generated through water electrolysis using solar energy.
This process, considered innovative and sustainable, uses an electric current to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, without emitting polluting gases.
According to Maurício Tolmasquim, director of Energy Transition and Sustainability at Petrobras, the project is “fundamental” for the company’s future strategies aimed at decarbonization.
Tolmasquim adds that this initiative “not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also promotes the use of abundant and sustainable natural resources in the country.”
Photovoltaic plant with increased capacity to meet hydrogen production needs
To meet the energy demand of the electrolysis unit, Petrobras will also invest in the expansion of Alto Rodrigues Photovoltaic Plant.
Originally created for research and development, the generation capacity will be increased from 1,1 MWp (Megawatt peak) to 2,5 MWp, meeting the requirements of the electrolysis unit, which will have a capacity of 2 MW.
The plant will be tested in multiple operating modes, using the connection to the electricity distribution grid and the existing energy storage system.
A pioneering initiative in the use of hydrogen in microturbines
The hydrogen produced will be used both to generate energy and for studies on its addition to natural gas.
This test will be essential to evaluate the performance and structural integrity of microturbines operating with this mixture, something that has not yet been tested in Brazil.
According to Petrobras, it becomes the first Brazilian company to study the effects of adding renewable hydrogen to natural gas in microturbines, consolidating its position as a leader in the development of new technologies for the energy sector.
Decarbonization and perspectives for the future
For Brazil, this investment represents a strategic advance towards diversification of the energy matrix and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The introduction of renewable hydrogen in the country promises not only to contribute to the decarbonization of Petrobras, but also to boost the development of new employment opportunities and the generation of local technology.
This project could open doors for future commercial partnerships and attract investment, highlighting Brazil's potential as an important supplier of green hydrogen on the global stage.
Impact on the global market and job creation
The installation of the pilot plant can create new fronts of work and technological innovation, especially in the areas of engineering, electrification and sustainability.
Furthermore, Petrobras' commitment to clean energy sources represents a step towards the green hydrogen export market, especially for countries seeking alternatives to fossil fuels.
Will green hydrogen be Brazil's new energy frontier?
With a significant investment and a pioneering project in the Açu Valley, Petrobras promises to redefine the Brazilian energy sector and pave the way for a more sustainable and decarbonized matrix.
What do you think: will green hydrogen be the new energy frontier in Brazil, capable of transforming the country's economy and sustainability?
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