Bahia has a lot of potential for renewable energy, mainly wind and solar, as well as a developing biomass presence, especially in the west. Bahia presents itself as an important state in the production scenario of renewable energies, with more than 200 wind farms and an installed capacity of over 6 GW (gigawatts), of which 2.6 GW is under development, and around 5 GW of centralized solar energy.
Biomass plays a crucial part in the country’s implementation of the green hydrogen production chain since this chain would need a considerable amount of energy conversion from renewable sources. Bahia will make a considerable contribution to decarbonization as a result of this, assisting Brazil in meeting the Paris Agreement’s targets as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For the full development of this renewable energy chain in Bahia, a scientific and technological foundation has been established in the state over the last few years, with the creation of structures and research groups, such as those established at SENAI CIMATEC, that have relevant science, technology, and innovation connections with energy companies.
SENAI CIMATEC develops research and innovation projects with mapping of wind and solar potentials, predictability of energy dispatch with artificial intelligence, biomass, and its gasification products, energy storage, and a center of competence in green hydrogen, produced from clean sources of energy, with the goal of training high-level professionals to work in the entire production chain, whether in projects or operations, with the goal of training high-level professionals to work in the entire production chain, whether in projects or operations.
In addition to the aforementioned energy availability, the Bahian area contains abundant freshwater resources, including the country’s biggest manmade lake, Lake Sobradinho, and significant aquifers, including So Sebastio in the Recôncavo Norte Sedimentary Basin. The So Francisco River, the Paraguaçu River, and the Itapicuru River are among the country’s largest perennial rivers.
The state also has an established and increasing electrical system, which is incorporated into the Camaçari Industrial Complex and has the potential to provide big energy infrastructure projects. In the Baa of Todos os Santos, the logistics system has multiple ports that are connected with the road and rail transportation systems and can handle solid, liquid, and gaseous bulk.
Full decarbonization of various industries and modes of transportation entails technological and economic obstacles, with few options now available. Green hydrogen can be utilized as a fuel or as a raw material for the manufacturing of chemicals and fuels.
While new targeted policies are being created, several governments have already established a green hydrogen strategy and implemented early legislation to help the industry. The government of Bahia established the State Plan for the Green Hydrogen Economy – PEH2V (Decree No. and the invention, development, and production of hydrogen from clean energy sources in order for the state of Bahia to take a leadership position in this scenario in Brazil.
Another key initiative is SENAI CIMATEC’s Study for the Development of the Green Hydrogen Economy in Bahia, which includes an assessment of probable production locations, mapping of the production chain, and research into worldwide models.
In September 2022, the Green Hydrogen Map, which will identify the most ideal places in the state for H2V production, will be completed. The project’s goal extends beyond the manufacture of clean, long-lasting fuel. Because it is a novel technology, it will contribute to the creation of jobs and the decarbonization of Bahian manufacturing industries.
