Brazilian state-run oil and gas company Petrobras has joined forces with the local renewable energies innovation institute, SENAI-ER, to embark on a pioneering journey into the green hydrogen realm.
The partnership aims to construct a pilot electrolysis plant, delving into crucial aspects of the green hydrogen value chain, setting the stage for sustainable energy initiatives in Brazil.
Underlining their commitment to this groundbreaking venture, Petrobras has pledged a substantial investment of BRL 90 million (USD 18.1m/EUR 16.8m) over a three-year period. This financial commitment underscores the significance of the project in exploring the potential of green hydrogen within the Brazilian energy landscape.
The project’s core will be a pilot electrolysis plant, strategically utilizing the output from Petrobras’ existing 1-MWp Alto Rodrigues Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant, situated in Rio Grande do Norte state. To accommodate the increased power demands of the pilot plant, the PV park’s capacity will be expanded to 2.5 MWp.
Petrobras intends to utilize the hydrogen produced by the pilot plant to conduct comprehensive analyses, focusing on the performance of microturbines and their structural integrity when subjected to the combustion of hydrogen and natural gas mixtures. This research aims to deepen the understanding of equipment behavior, laying the groundwork for innovative business models aligned with Petrobras’ strategic objectives.
Jean-Paul Prates, President of Petrobras, highlights the multifaceted benefits of this venture, emphasizing its role in knowledge development, equipment behavior analysis, and the creation of economically viable models for low-carbon hydrogen production and associated byproducts.
The collaboration between Petrobras and SENAI-ER signifies a crucial step towards advancing Brazil’s position in the green hydrogen landscape. Beyond economic feasibility, the project addresses environmental considerations by exploring low-carbon hydrogen production methods, aligning with global efforts to transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives.
