The global hydrogen market is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. In this scenario, hydrogen storage in Brazil emerges as a strategic factor for the country to lead export logistics to Europe.
The European Union has set ambitious targets for clean hydrogen imports: approximately 18 million tons by 2050 through the Port of Rotterdam alone. This demand represents an extraordinary opportunity for emerging economies that can develop efficient production, storage, and logistics capabilities. Brazil not only possesses these conditions but is also developing the technologies necessary to realize this potential.
The revolutionary technologies that are redefining the industry
Hydrogen storage has traditionally faced significant technical challenges, particularly related to energy density and transportation safety. However, recent advances are fundamentally changing this equation.
One of the most promising innovations is low-temperature metal hydrides. Japanese researchers have developed a hydrogen battery that operates at just 90°C, using a solid electrolyte. This technology achieves a storage density of 7.6% by weight, significantly surpassing conventional methods that require temperatures above 300°C. From a practical perspective, this represents a reduction of more than 200°C in operational requirements, drastically impacting maintenance and safety costs.
At the same time, Liquid Organic Carriers of Hydrogen (LOHC) are emerging as an elegant solution for long-distance transportation. Swiss and Japanese scientists have created a liquid medium that safely stores hydrogen at room temperature, eliminating the need for high pressure or extreme refrigeration. Capable of storing up to 6.9% hydrogen by weight, this technology exceeds the targets set by the U.S. Department of Energy for 2025.
Honeywell has developed a particularly interesting approach to LOHC, leveraging existing refining infrastructure. The process chemically combines hydrogen gas through toluene saturation, producing a liquid carrier compatible with current systems. At the destination, the hydrogen is recovered via methylcyclohexane dehydrogenation.
This solution offers significant advantages:
- Lower flammability than liquid hydrogen;
- Absence of toxicity compared to ammonia;
- High purity of the final product.
The Brazilian geological differential
While many countries rely on surface storage technologies, Brazil has a natural advantage: geological formations ideal for large-scale underground storage.
Brazil's salt caverns represent an extraordinary opportunity. The Sergipe-Alagoas Basin, located in the Northeast, has saline strata beginning at approximately 900 meters deep. Geomechanical studies confirm creep behavior suitable for 50-year operations. Even more impressive is the offshore Santos Basin, characterized by salt domes in ultra-deep waters. A single cavern in this region can store 4 billion standard cubic meters, equivalent to 7.2 million tons of CO₂.
The total capacity is impressive: studies indicate that depleted offshore gas fields in Brazil can store approximately 5,483 TWh of hydrogen. To put this figure in context, it represents about ten times the country's total annual electricity consumption based on 2021 data. This capacity places Brazil in a privileged position to develop strategic reserves that support long-term exports.
The Northeast region stands out as a primary cluster, perfectly aligning with national offshore wind generation plans. This geographic synergy reduces internal transportation costs and optimizes the logistics chain from production to export.
Port infrastructure and strategic corridors
The commercial viability of Brazilian hydrogen fundamentally depends on its ability to reach European markets competitively. In this regard, the country demonstrates remarkable strategic planning.
Six Brazilian ports have been identified as potential candidates for renewable marine fuel hubs: Santos, Rio Grande, Itajaí, Açu, Pecém, and Navegantes. Among these, the Port of Pecém emerges as a key player due to its shorter distance to Europe and its Export Processing Zone (EPZ), which offers significant tax benefits. The port has already received a US$100 million investment from the World Bank to establish a green hydrogen hub.
The established export corridors demonstrate maturity in international partnerships. The Brazil-Netherlands-Germany Corridor, formalized through a memorandum between the ports of Pecém, Rotterdam, and Duisport, extends connectivity to Europe's industrial heartland. The Port of Rotterdam, Europe's main gateway, projects to import approximately 18 million tons of hydrogen and derivatives by 2050.
At the same time, the Brazil-Norway Corridor establishes maritime transportation alternatives using advanced technologies and low-carbon fuels. This route diversification reduces logistical risks and increases commercial flexibility.
Strategic partnerships
The success of Brazil's strategy is not only based on natural advantages, but also on well-structured international partnerships and favorable regulatory frameworks.
The Brazil-Germany energy partnership, established in 2008, has evolved significantly. Germany has allocated €25 million to decarbonization projects in high-emitting Brazilian industries. This collaboration is materializing in concrete initiatives: SEFE (Germany), Eletrobras, and EnerTech (Kuwait) have signed an agreement to supply 200,000 tons of green hydrogen annually to Germany starting in 2030.
The Vale-Green Energy Park project, selected by the European Commission as a flagship initiative of the Global Gateway Program, exemplifies the international recognition of Brazil's potential. The "Green Energy Parks of Northeast Brazil and Green Shipping Corridors" initiative positions the country as a global leader in clean energy exports.
Global competitiveness and market projections
The economic analysis reveals Brazil's sustainable competitive advantages in the global hydrogen market. The country can produce green hydrogen at an FOB cost of US$3.3 per kilogram, placing it among the most competitive globally. Projections indicate reductions to US$1.7/kg by 2030 and US$1.25/kg by 2040, putting it on par with the United States, Spain, and Australia.
Conservative estimates suggest that Brazil could export up to 4 million tons of hydrogen to the European Union and the United States by 2040, capturing a market worth up to US$6 billion. The country has the potential to supply between 10% and 15% of the EU's hydrogen imports, establishing a strategic supplier position.
To achieve this scenario, investments of US$200 billion in green hydrogen are needed, including 180 GW in additional renewable generation. Currently, Brazil has already announced over US$30 billion in investments in the sector, demonstrating growing interest from the private market.
Strategic challenges and opportunities
Despite the clear advantages, Brazil faces technical and regulatory challenges that require attention. The development of large-scale storage and transportation infrastructure requires substantial investment and significant implementation time. International certification, although Brazil is the only Latin American country with an operational certification system for clean hydrogen, still requires formal recognition from key European markets.
The phenomenon of hydrogen embrittlement in pipelines represents an additional technical challenge, requiring continuous research on materials and preventive maintenance.
However, the strategic opportunities far outweigh these challenges. Brazil's geographic proximity to Europe (7,000 km) offers a logistical advantage over the Middle East and Australia. The 697 GW of offshore wind potential and abundant solar energy ensure sustainable production. Creating domestic demand will enable cost reductions through economies of scale.
Perspectives and conclusions
Brazil is uniquely positioned to lead global hydrogen logistics to Europe through the convergence of multiple factors: technological innovations in storage, natural geological advantages, abundant renewable resources, consolidated strategic partnerships, favorable regulatory framework and strategic port infrastructure.
The National Hydrogen Program establishes an ambitious timeline: consolidation as the most competitive producer worldwide by 2030 and establishment of hubs throughout the national territory by 2035.
To realize this potential, the country must focus on the coordinated development of storage infrastructure, continued strengthening of international partnerships, and acceleration of pilot projects. The window of opportunity is open, and Brazil possesses all the technical, economic, and political conditions to establish itself as a dominant supplier of green hydrogen to the European market by 2030.
