UPDATED 1 Sept: The EI library in London is temporarily closed to the public, as a precautionary measure in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The Knowledge Service will still be answering email queries via email , or via live chats during working hours (09:15-17:00 GMT). Our e-library is always open for members here: eLibrary , for full-text access to over 200 e-books and millions of articles. Thank you for your patience.
New Energy World
New Energy World embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low carbon technologies.
Brazil gets ready to lead in green hydrogen
13/11/2024
8 min read
Feature
The world’s fifth largest country by land area is preparing to use its abundant natural resources and major renewable energy sector to become the world’s largest producer of green hydrogen. However, with several challenges to overcome, local experts say that the likelihood of Brazil achieving this aim remains difficult to predict. Andreia Nogueira reports.
Hydrogen is considered a key fuel for the world’s sustainable future, according to a World Economic Forum report last December. Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe. On Earth it is isolated through steam methane reforming of natural gas – which involves carbon – and the use of electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen (electrolysis).
Brazil’s strength in renewables means that much of its hydrogen made by the latter method could be green. Its Ministry of Mines and Energy claims that 93.1% of Brazil’s 2023 power generation was from renewable sources, mainly hydro, solar PV and wind. The country also rates highly in the Energy Institute’s Statistical Review Country Transition Tracker.
The Brazilian government is now eyeing green hydrogen for fuel cells to generate electricity and heat in electric vehicles (EVs) and buildings, and as a feedstock to produce chemicals and fuels, such as ammonia and e-methanol. Green hydrogen could also potentially decarbonise heavy emitters, such as aviation and the steel industry.