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Ceará Advances in Energy Transition with New Export Processing Zone Project Approved by Government, Attracting Billions in Investments for Data Centers and Green Ammonia Production in the Northeast
On Monday, November 3, 2025, the National Council of Export Processing Zones (CZPE) approved 12 strategic projects, with ten of them designated for the Ceará Export Processing Zone, located in the Pecém Complex. The announcement represents the largest volume of investments ever approved for a single EPZ in Brazil, totaling R$ 585 billion, highlighting the establishment of data centers and a green ammonia plant.
Ceará EPZ: Epicenter of Innovation and Export
This decision by the federal Government marks a significant advance in the country’s industrial and energy policy, consolidating Ceará as a hub for innovation and sustainability. Additionally, the approved projects are expected to generate over 30,000 direct jobs, boosting the local and national economy.
The Export Processing Zone (EPZ) of Ceará, located at the Port of Pecém, was the main destination for the approved investments. Of the R$ 585 billion validated by CZPE, 97% is concentrated in the Ceará EPZ, highlighting its strategic importance.
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Among the approved projects, the following stand out:
- Nine data centers, including one from Bytedance (TikTok), with investments of R$ 571 billion
- One liquid green ammonia plant, with an estimated R$ 12 billion in initial funding and R$ 349 billion in infrastructure and equipment
These ventures reinforce the role of the EPZ as a platform for exporting digital services and sustainable products, aligning with global decarbonization goals.
Data Centers in Ceará: Global Scale Digital Infrastructure
The installation of data centers in Ceará represents a leap in Brazilian digital infrastructure. Companies such as Bytedance Brasil Tecnologia Ltda and others lead the projects, which should generate R$ 80 billion per year in service exports.
These data centers will be powered by clean and sustainable energy, with R$ 81 billion earmarked exclusively for energy infrastructure. The choice of Ceará is due to its strategic geographic location, with submarine fiber optic cables connecting Brazil to Europe, Africa, and North America.
Ceará is consolidating itself as a digital hub of the South Atlantic, said a CZPE representative during the meeting. Moreover, the data centers are expected to enhance national connectivity, improve cybersecurity, and attract new technology companies to the country.
Green Ammonia: Fuel of the Future and Vector of Energy Transition
Another highlight is the approval of a liquid green ammonia plant, which will be built in four phases between 2027 and 2032. Green ammonia is produced from hydrogen obtained by water electrolysis, using renewable energy such as solar and wind.
This project is essential for the energy transition, as green ammonia can be used as clean fuel in sectors such as maritime transport, fertilizers, and power generation. The plant will have the capacity to export large volumes, positioning Brazil as a global supplier of sustainable fuels.
The initiative also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a low-carbon economy aligned with international sustainability commitments.
Economic and Social Impact in Ceará with Government Support
The approved investments will have a direct impact on the Ceará economy, creating more than 30,000 direct jobs and thousands of indirect ones. Additionally, there will be an increase in tax revenue, strengthening the local production chain and developing qualified labor.
The presence of large international companies will also attract new business and partnerships, consolidating Ceará as a reference in innovation, technology, and sustainability.
The state Government, in partnership with the federal government, has been working to ensure adequate infrastructure, tax incentives, and professional training, creating a favorable environment for industrial and technological development.
Sustainability and Energy Transition as Pillars of the New EPZ
The approval of the projects is aligned with Brazil’s commitments to the UN 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement. The production of green ammonia and the use of clean energy in data centers are concrete examples of how the country can grow economically without compromising the environment.
Additionally, the approved ventures should stimulate research and development of new clean technologies, promoting innovation and competitiveness in the energy sector.
The Strategic Role of the Government in Enabling the EPZ in Ceará
The federal Government, through the CZPE and MDIC, was fundamental for the approval of the projects. The collaboration between the public and private sectors ensured the technical, environmental, and economic viability of the ventures.
Furthermore, the government has promoted policies to encourage the energy transition, such as the exemption of equipment for renewable energy and the creation of regulatory frameworks for green hydrogen.
The integrated action between ministries, regulatory agencies, and state governments has been essential for attracting investments and ensuring the projects are executed with responsibility and efficiency.
Future Perspectives for Ceará and Brazil
The approval of the new EPZ in Ceará, focusing on data centers and green ammonia, represents a historic milestone for Brazil. With R$ 585 billion in investments, the country is taking a decisive step towards the energy transition, the digitalization of the economy, and the generation of sustainable jobs.
Ceará positions itself as a leader in the new green economy, attracting investments, innovation, and international prominence. The strategic action of the Government and the engagement of the private sector show that it is possible to grow with environmental responsibility and social inclusion.
In the coming years, it is expected that the model adopted in Ceará will serve as a reference for other regions of the country, amplifying the positive impact of the EPZ policies and consolidating Brazil as a powerhouse in clean energy and technology.
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