EDF Renewables Brazil has taken a significant step towards bolstering the green hydrogen industry by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ceará government.
This cooperative effort aims to catalyze the production chain of green hydrogen and drive sustainable energy solutions. As part of its global mission, the EDF group sets its sights on installing 3 GW of electrolyzers worldwide by 2030, solidifying its commitment to a greener future.
Under this MoU, EDF Renewables Brazil is set to engage in comprehensive studies and evaluations, with the possibility of constructing a green hydrogen production facility. These endeavors could even involve collaboration with local universities, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.
Ceará has already paved the way for green hydrogen integration, amassing 32 memoranda of understanding with various companies interested in contributing to the green hydrogen hub situated at the Port of Pecém. These collective projects have a staggering investment potential of $29.7 billion, indicative of the growing enthusiasm for renewable energy ventures.
The Port of Pecém is emerging as a key player in the green hydrogen arena, focusing primarily on electrolysis-based production. This method harnesses renewable electricity to facilitate the separation of hydrogen molecules from water, with select projects also incorporating investments in offshore wind technology.
For EDF, the Ceará memorandum is the second of its kind in Brazil concerning green hydrogen. In a prior agreement in May, EDF inked an MoU with the Rio Grande do Norte government, marking collaboration on offshore wind energy generation and green hydrogen production projects within the state.
This strategic approach entails the development, construction, and operation of an offshore wind complex along Rio Grande do Norte’s coastline. Projected to yield up to 2 GW of capacity, this initiative is slated to commence operations in 2030.
On a global scale, EDF Renewables has already established a portfolio of over 1 GW in operation and another 10 GW in the pipeline, focused on offshore wind projects across various regions.
With a substantial portfolio of 1.7 GW encompassing onshore and solar wind generation in Brazil, comprising operational, under-construction, and authorized projects, EDF Renewables is turning its attention towards hybrid schemes. These hybrid projects ingeniously intertwine offshore wind power and green hydrogen production within the Brazilian energy landscape.
Navigating Regulatory Waters Raíssa Cafure Lafranque, Vice President of EDF Renewables Brazil, revealed in an interview that the company has been diligently preparing for entry into Brazil’s offshore wind market since 2021. However, the regulatory landscape remains a significant challenge, as both offshore wind and green hydrogen necessitate well-defined local and international regulations to provide a clear path forward.
While the industry awaits these regulatory clarifications, EDF Renewables Brazil stands ready to partake in the pioneering projects that will define Brazil’s sustainable energy transition. Their dedication to advancing clean energy technologies highlights their commitment to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.
