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Agreement Signed in the Netherlands Reinforces Ceará as a Clean Energy Hub and Foresees Production Starting in 2030, Boosting the Local Green Hydrogen Hub.
The Port of Pecém and the French giant EDF signed a pre-contract this Wednesday (5/21). The signing took place in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The agreement aims to implement an industrial project for green hydrogen production at the Ceará port complex.
Strategic Partnership for the Ceará Green Hydrogen Hub
The officialization of the pre-contract between the Port of Pecém and EDF represents a significant advancement. In 2023, EDF Renewables Brazil, the renewable energy branch of the group, and the government of Ceará had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU established cooperation in the green hydrogen production chain.
“The signing of this pre-contract with EDF reaffirms the strategic positioning of the Pecém Complex as a hub for attracting sustainable and high-tech investments,” emphasizes Max Quintino, president of the Pecém Complex. “This is another decisive step to consolidate Ceará as an international reference in the green economy and boost the development of our Green Hydrogen Hub,” Quintino adds.
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Brazilian scientists are simultaneously advancing two research projects on clean hydrogen and driving solutions that could transform the energy matrix, enhance industrial competitiveness, and accelerate large-scale emission reduction targets.
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Advancement in renewable energy: A R$ 150 million project launched by Petrobras and Finep aims to create state-of-the-art electrolyzers for green hydrogen, strengthening national research and preparing Brazil to compete in a billion-dollar energy market.
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Illiterate or semi-literate grandmothers were trained to repair solar systems, open rural workshops, and light up homes that still depended on kerosene.
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The world has bet on green hydrogen as the fuel of the future, but now faces the side effect: producing 1 kilogram requires about 9 liters of ultrapure water, and the largest projects on the planet are precisely in the driest regions of the Earth, where water is already scarce for people.
EDF’s Ambitions in Brazil and Around the World Focused on Green Hydrogen
The EDF group has a clear global ambition. The company aims to achieve 3 GW of installed electrolyzers worldwide by 2030. In this scenario, Brazil is viewed as a strategic market.
EDF Renewables has a considerable portfolio in the country. There are about 1.7 GW in onshore wind and solar generation projects. These projects are operational, under construction, or already authorized. Additionally, EDF is studying hybrid projects. Such projects would combine offshore wind and the production of green hydrogen in Brazil.
Pecém Consolidates as a Hub for Investments
With the agreement signed with EDF, the Pecém Complex reaches an important milestone. There are already seven pre-contracts signed with companies interested in installing green hydrogen production units at the port.
The other companies with pre-contracts are: Auren Energia (formerly AES Brasil), Casa dos Ventos, Fortescue, FRV, Voltalia, and Fuella AS. According to Pecém, together, these initiatives total US$ 24 billion in projected investments. These pre-contracts serve as reserves for specific areas. The companies are already paying rent while finalizing their projects.
With information from the website: Eixos
