Rio de Janeiro will have unprecedented project to generate green hydrogen

The state of Rio de Janeiro will have the first green hydrogen generation plant in the country. Shell signed, on Thursday (19), a memorandum of understanding with Prumo Logística to develop an energy production project of this kind, at Açu Port, in São João da Barra, North Fluminense. The project, which should be ready by 2025, is a pioneer in Brazil and will function as a research laboratory to develop learning, carry out decarbonization tests and boost this industry in the country.

"Our government has been implementing actions to encourage the use of renewable energies, which directly influence people's quality of life through countless benefits: they contribute to the preservation of natural resources, generate jobs and income, lead to cost reductions, and favor sustainable development," states Governor Cláudio Castro.

The pilot-plant will have an initial capacity of 10 MW and could reach 100 MW, according to the unit's expansion plan. The state secretary of Economic Development, Energy and International Relations, Cássio Coelho, highlights the importance of the project's implementation:

"The installation of this pilot plant qualifies even more the Açu Port, which was already a national reference. The arrival of this type of energy generation will be a great contribution to place the state of Rio at the forefront of sustainability in the country.

The resources for the construction of the unit come from the Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) clause of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), which determines the mandatory application of a percentage of the gross revenue from production in projects that encourage research and the adoption of new technologies in the energy sector.

"It will be a true laboratory for generating knowledge and value for both Shell and the country," says the president of Shell Brazil, André Araujo.

For José Firmo, CEO of the Port of Açu, the signing of the agreement is a milestone in the development of the green hydrogen market in Brazil.

"The world-class infrastructure of the Port of Açu is an essential component to accelerate the development of low-carbon projects and the decarbonization of the industry. We are very happy to join forces with Shell and contribute to the efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy," he says.