Green hydrogen: the silent engine of the new national industry
Little by little, Brazil is assuming a prominent role in the global race for green hydrogen. This new energy front not only reinforces the country's commitment to clean sources but also positions the country as a technological and industrial leader in this emerging sector.
With approximately 83% of its energy matrix based on renewable sources, Brazil is starting from a solid foundation. And it is precisely this advantage that places it among the leaders of the global energy transition.
The production of green hydrogen, especially through water electrolysis, has attracted attention as a solution for sectors that have struggled to decarbonize, such as mining, steelmaking, and industrial thermal processes. The potential is enormous: it is estimated that the country could produce up to 1.8 gigatons per year, with the majority of this (90%) coming from clean energy.
Electrolyzers: why are they so important?
Electrolyzers are machines that electrolyze water. Essentially, they separate hydrogen (H₂) from oxygen (O₂) using electricity. If this electricity comes from a renewable source, such as solar or wind, the result is so-called green hydrogen. In other words, it emits no carbon emissions.
The main types of electrolyzers today:
Alkaline
- Efficiency between 62% and 82%;
- They last a long time: more than 60 thousand hours of operation;
- They cost less to operate;
- They are widely used in large-scale industrial applications.
PEM (with proton exchange membrane)
- Efficiency of 70% to 80%;
- They adapt quickly to load variations;
- They work well where more control and precision are needed.
National innovation with shrimp shells and science
One of the most interesting innovations comes from Ceará, specifically from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). There, physicist Santino Loruan developed a membrane made from chitosan, a biopolymer extracted from shrimp and crab shells — a plentiful and often discarded material.
This membrane replaces imported synthetic components and has several advantages:
- It makes the process cheaper by using fishing waste;
- It is biodegradable, which makes it more sustainable;
- It is Brazilian, which helps to reduce external dependence;
- It has already been patented and can be licensed by companies.
Where it's all happening: hubs and projects across Brazil
Ceará: national reference
The state of Ceará has become one of the main hubs for green hydrogen in the country. In the Port of Pecém alone, R$110.6 billion in investments have already been announced. Some highlights:
- Fortescue: R$17.5 billion for a 1.2 GW plant (which could reach 2.1 GW)
- Casa dos Ventos: Will invest US$900 million in its own plant
- EDP Brazil: The first certified production has started at the Pecém Thermoelectric Complex
Other states are also moving
- Pernambuco: White Martins set up the first certified plant in South America, in Suape — producing 156 tons per year with a high degree of purity.
- Bahia: Unigel has put into operation the country's first green hydrogen and ammonia plant, with four electrolyzers totaling 60 MW.
- Minas Gerais: UNIFEI created a research center, while Atlas Agro is developing a project in Uberaba.
Laws and incentives: a push to grow faster
Law No. 14,948/2024 created the legal framework for low-emission hydrogen. It also provides R$18.3 billion in incentives through 2032. Here are some key points:
- Emissions limit: up to 7 kg CO₂eq per kg of hydrogen by 2030
- Creation of SBCH₂ (Brazilian Hydrogen Certification System)
- Rehidro: special incentive regime
- Suspension of PIS/Pasep and Cofins for five years
Economic Outlook: The Future Is Already Being Built
Currently, the country has accumulated R$454 billion in investments, distributed across 111 projects and with a total capacity of 43 GW. That's a lot, especially considering that 41% of this is concentrated in Ceará.
Other important data
- Distribution by regions: Northeast, Southeast and South
- Generation of technical jobs: almost 3 thousand per year
- Projections until 2030: between 0.6 and 1.1 million tons/year
- Projections until 2050: between 21 and 32 million tons/year
- Global potential: Brazil can meet up to 10% of global demand
The world is watching Brazilian hydrogen
Ongoing partnerships:
- European Union: will allocate €2 billion for production in Brazil
- Germany: first country to open auctions to import green hydrogen
- Netherlands: works on the Brazil-Europe maritime corridor, via the Port of Rotterdam
According to studies, Brazil is one of the most competitive countries in the world for producing green hydrogen. In the Northeast, for example, the projected cost by 2030 is just US$1.47 per kilogram, one of the lowest globally.
Conclusion: the time is now
Brazil is paving a solid path toward becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production. The combination of abundant natural resources, local innovation, and supportive policies creates an ideal environment for the sector's growth.
For companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in clean energy solutions, now is the time. Green hydrogen isn't just the future; it's already changing the industry today.
Want to know how your company can join this revolution? Talk to Guofuhee's experts and discover clean energy solutions that can transform your business.
