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Minas Gerais enters into innovative partnership with China to introduce hydrogen technology, transforming the automotive sector in Brazil
O Government of Minas Gerais, represented by State Secretariat for Economic Development (Headquarters-MG) and Invest Minas, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Olos technology company from China FTXT (GWM Hydrogen), a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors (GWM), and with the Federal University of Itajubá (Unifei) to strengthen innovation in green hydrogen.
The partnership was made official in Xangai, and on China, during the international mission led by Governor Romeu Zema. This mission focused on attracting new investments and promoting sustainability in the state.
Partnership objective and technological innovation
The partnership between the Minas Gerais government, FTXT and Unifei is focused on the exchange of technologies for the use of green hydrogen as an energy alternative sustainable.
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The objective is to develop an infrastructure that will allow hydrogen-powered trucks to be fueled, creating an experimental route that will connect the south of Minas Gerais to São Paulo.
This initiative is part of the state of Minas Gerais' goal to align itself with international commitments to reduce carbon emissions, such as Race to Zero, which aims to eliminate emissions by 2050.
The trucks that will be used in this pilot project are equipped with fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity, significantly reducing pollutant emissions, especially for the transport of heavy loads.
Unifei will be responsible for supplying hydrogen, in addition to supporting research and technological development.
The triple helix model
A central point highlighted by the Secretary of State of Economic Development, Fernando Passalio, was the Triple Helix model, which represents the collaboration between government, academia and the private sector.
This model has been one of the main strategies for boosting economic development in Minas Gerais. By joining forces, the state has been able to leverage sustainable and innovative initiatives, attracting investment and advancing in low-carbon technologies.
Incentives and competitiveness in the renewable energy sector
For Romeu Zema, governor of Minas Gerais, the partnership with FTXT and Unifei reinforces the state's commitment to supporting renewable energy projects. He highlighted that Minas Gerais offers tax incentives to companies that invest in clean energy, increasing the competitiveness of sustainable initiatives in the state.
"Our guidance is that any production in the state linked to renewable energy receives differentiated tax treatment, to become more competitive. As far as the state is concerned, we have given full support and will continue to do so. We want to be a reference in renewable energy.“, said Zema.
Green hydrogen as a solution for sustainable transport
The use of green hydrogen has gained prominence as an alternative to reduce emissions in the transport sector. FTXT, through its fuel cells, will develop solutions that use hydrogen efficiently and safely.
With the support of Unifei, it is expected that Minas Gerais become one of the research and development hubs for this type of technology, with the potential to attract more investments and consolidate the state as a reference in renewable energy in the Brazil.
In addition to reducing emissions, the use of green hydrogen in trucks and large vehicles offers a viable solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner future.
Future prospects and expansion of technology
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is just the first step. According to João Paulo Braga, CEO of Invest Minas, the partnership puts Minas Gerais in a prominent position to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The expectation is that cooperation with Unifei will enable the installation of a fuel cell factory in Minas Gerais, strengthening the local hydrogen production chain and creating new opportunities for employment and economic development.
FTXT and GWM's expansion in Brazil
FTXT is a clean energy technology company and a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors (GWM), one of China's largest automakers.
With an ambitious vision, GWM aims to lead the clean technology vehicle market in Latin America. The company has been present in Brazil since 2022 and began sales in 2023, with electric and hybrid vehicles.
With this partnership, FTXT reinforces its presence in the country and demonstrates a strong interest in expanding its clean energy business and technology in Minas Gerais.
Furthermore, the company has been in talks with representatives of the Brazilian government to align tax policies that could make its expansion plan viable.
