Sanepar, the water utility of Paraná state in Brazil, has signed a technical cooperation agreement with the Brazil-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Rio de Janeiro (AHK-Rio) to conduct a feasibility study on renewable technologies for hydrogen production using biogas from its sewage treatment plants.
The collaboration aims to evaluate the marketing, regulatory, and business aspects of hydrogen projects and commence their implementation within the next 16 months.
Sanepar’s CEO, Claudio Stabile, expressed motivation and eagerness to explore partnerships worldwide to expedite research and innovation in renewable hydrogen production. The company views this initiative as a significant step towards constructing new models for the energy transition, with the objective of establishing Paraná as a key hub for the development of the renewable hydrogen sector in Brazil.
Sanepar processes over 476 billion liters of sewage annually in its 263 treatment plants, many of which are equipped with anaerobic reactors that generate biogas. By utilizing the biogas as a resource for hydrogen production, Sanepar can contribute to sustainable energy generation while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to its renewable hydrogen endeavors, Sanepar has attracted significant interest from private sector entities regarding its planned Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The company recently conducted roadshows to promote the PPP, receiving nearly 500 proposals and inquiries during the public consultation process. Sanepar believes that the PPP will facilitate the timely achievement of legal sanitation objectives and enable the expansion of sewerage services in 16 municipalities in the central coastal area of Paraná.
The Paraná government has scheduled an auction for the PPP in mid-July, with initial bids due by July 10. The ultimate goal is to achieve 90% sewerage coverage in line with national sanitation guidelines by 2033.
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