Brazil and the Netherlands have signed an agreement for the transport of green hydrogen between the ports of Pecém and Rotterdam.
The initiative will have the participation of private sector companies such as North American AES, Brazilian Casa dos Ventos, French Nexway, Australian Fortescue and Portuguese EDP. The agreement will create a “maritime corridor” to transport green hydrogen that will be produced in Pecém, in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza, in the northeast of Brazil, and distributed to other European countries from Rotterdam. This will make Rotterdam and Pecém the gateways to Europe for green hydrogen. The input can be used as fuel and industrial raw material for pharmaceutical products, in addition to the production of fertilizers for agricultural activities.
Green hydrogen is generated through the water electrolysis process that separates oxygen and hydrogen. This renewable source of energy is gaining popularity as a clean alternative to fossil fuels and can help countries reach their climate targets. The production of green hydrogen is a key aspect of the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe carbon neutral by 2050.
The port of Pecém has already signed 24 projects for the installation of companies from Brazil, France, Portugal, Spain, Australia, the United States, and Italy that will produce green hydrogen. Since 2018, the port of Rotterdam, controlled by the Dutch government, has held 30% of the port of Pecém, and the two ports have established an agreement to support joint sustainable development, logistics, and energy initiatives.
While the agreement between Brazil and the Netherlands represents a significant step towards decarbonization, some challenges lie ahead. The process of producing green hydrogen through water electrolysis is currently expensive and requires a significant amount of electricity, which may come from non-renewable sources. Additionally, the transportation of hydrogen through pipelines and ships has safety risks and requires significant infrastructure investment.
In conclusion, the agreement between Brazil and the Netherlands for the transport of green hydrogen between the ports of Pecém and Rotterdam is a promising development towards a cleaner future. This initiative can open up new opportunities for the private sector, as well as contribute to reducing carbon emissions and achieving climate goals. However, significant investments in infrastructure and renewable energy sources will be necessary to fully realize the potential of green hydrogen.
