Northeastern states sign cooperation agreement for green hydrogen hub

The Interstate Consortium for the Sustainable Development of the Northeast and the World Bank, in the presence of the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday (25) in Brasilia to develop areas considered key to sustainability in the nine states that make up the group (Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe).

The World Bank will advise the states on an energy transition plan. This plan should unfold into local plans with financing operations. This memorandum of understanding is a first step towards broadly promoting the energy transition in the region.

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The partnership intends to fund, above all, projects related to the development of low-carbon hydrogen, the so-called green hydrogen; as well as the generation of wind energy; preservation of the Caatinga biome; exploration of possible project opportunities in the areas of solar energy, water and sanitation; community engagement; and digital development.

On this last point, the cooperation signed aims to promote the exchange of experiences, knowledge and financing of digital public infrastructure for the expansion of connectivity, the development of digital platforms, best practices in cyber security and, finally, to foster the development of digital skills.

The governor of Paraíba and president of the Northeast Consortium, João Azevêdo, spoke of the potential of the Northeast. "We know the potential that the Northeast has for generating clean, renewable energy. And at this time of energy transition, our region could be a major player in the production of green hydrogen. However, all this needs to happen in a harmonious and regulated way."

The governor of Paraíba celebrated the international institution's contribution. "The World Bank will put all its expertise at the disposal of the Northeast Consortium and the exchange of experience with the actions and projects already underway by each state will enable us to establish a safe and sustainable path that can generate, above all, the wealth that the region needs, but with social inclusion so that this wealth truly reaches the end for those who need it most."

The World Bank's director for Brazil, Johannes Zutt, said that Brazil has great opportunities to become a global leader in the energy transition and that, to this end, it will share the experiences of other projects of this kind carried out elsewhere in the world.

"We are confident that we can share our experiences with other projects, in other countries, with the northeastern states of Brazil to help the country achieve higher levels of growth and productivity."