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Minas Gerais Closes Innovative Partnership With China to Introduce Hydrogen Technology, Transforming the Automotive Sector in Brazil
The Government of Minas Gerais, represented by the State Secretariat of Economic Development (Sede-MG) and Invest Minas, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the 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 formalized in Shanghai, China, during the international mission led by Governor Romeu Zema. This mission aimed to attract new investments and promote sustainability in the state.
Objective of the Partnership and Technological Innovation
The partnership between the Minas Gerais government, FTXT, and Unifei focuses on the exchange of technologies for using green hydrogen as a sustainable energy alternative.
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The objective is to develop an infrastructure that allows the refueling of hydrogen-powered trucks, creating a test route that will connect southern Minas Gerais to São Paulo.
This initiative is part of the state of Minas’ goal to align with international commitments to reduce carbon emissions, such as the Race to Zero, which aims to achieve net-zero 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 heavy cargo transport.
Unifei will be responsible for supplying hydrogen, as well as supporting research and technological development.
The Triple Helix Model
A central point highlighted by the Secretary of State for 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 to boost economic development in Minas Gerais. With this union of forces, the state has been able to leverage sustainable and innovative initiatives, attracting investments 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 emphasized that Minas Gerais offers tax incentives for companies investing in clean energy, increasing the competitiveness of sustainable initiatives in the state.
“Our guidance is that any production in the state related to renewable energy receives a differentiated tax treatment, to be more competitive. As far as the state is concerned, we have provided all the support and will continue to do so. We want to be a reference in renewable energy“, Zema stated.
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. The FTXT, through its fuel cells, will develop solutions that utilize hydrogen efficiently and safely.
With the support of Unifei, it is expected that Minas Gerais will become one of the research and development hubs for this type of technology, with the potential to attract more investments and solidify the state as a reference in renewable energy in Brazil.
In addition to reducing emissions, the use of green hydrogen in trucks and large vehicles offers a viable solution to decrease dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner future.
Future Perspectives and Expansion of Technology
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is just the first step. According to João Paulo Braga, president director of Invest Minas, the partnership positions Minas Gerais prominently to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The expectation is that the cooperation with Unifei will enable the installation of a fuel cell factory in Minas Gerais, strengthening the local hydrogen production chain and creating new job and economic development opportunities.
The Company FTXT and the Expansion of GWM in Brazil
FTXT is a technology company focused on clean energy and a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors (GWM), one of the largest automakers in China.
With an ambitious vision, GWM aims to lead the clean technology vehicle market in Latin America. Since 2022, the company has been present in Brazil and started its 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 communicating with representatives of the Brazilian government to align tax policies that could facilitate its expansion plan.
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