The Port of Açu, situated in the north of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and controlled by Prumo Logística, has secured its first contract to develop a hydrogen hub. This significant agreement was signed with Fuella, a Norwegian company specializing in hydrogen and green ammonia plant operations.
As Rogério Zampronha, CEO of Prumo Logística, announced, the collaboration aims to construct a green ammonia plant with a formidable 520 MW capacity. This plant will utilize the electrolysis process to produce green ammonia, with an impressive output of 400,000 tons annually. The production will be stored and exported via the Açu Liquid Terminal (TLA).
Fuella boasts Allianz, one of the world’s largest insurance companies, as a stakeholder. The company’s expertise lies in identifying optimal locations for green ammonia production, ensuring they have access to renewable electricity, strong grid capacities, and efficient transportation routes.
Zampronha emphasized the critical impact of this project on industries with challenging carbon emission reduction needs, known as “hard-to-abate” sectors. Key areas of focus include the steel industry, the fertilizer sector, and the production of clean fuels such as methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). He stated, “These hard-to-abate segments will inexorably require specific solutions such as the use of low-carbon hydrogen.”
The Port of Açu recently obtained an environmental license to establish the hydrogen hub across a 1 million square meter area, a vital milestone for project viability.
In June, Prumo signed a memorandum of understanding with Eletrobras to explore the feasibility of renewable hydrogen production projects. This partnership will evaluate technical, environmental, and financial aspects, while also considering research, development, and possible funding from public and private sources.
