The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) is going to reinforce the actions of the federal government to promote hydrogen production in Brazil during the 27th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 27), in Sharml el-Sheikh, Egypt. The initiatives are part of the National Hydrogen Program (PNH2) and will be presented, this Thursday (11/17), by the director of the Energy Planning and Development Secretariat (SPE) of the MME, Marina Rossi (photo).

Actions for hydrogen exploration will be highlighted, with technological approaches and hybrid business models, offering additional paths for competitive commercialization. “Our goal is to eliminate bottlenecks for the advancement of this extremely promising activity, with the potential to generate jobs and income across the country and reinforce Brazil's prominent role in promoting the world energy transition”, says Marina.

According to the MME representative, Brazil needs to establish a competitive market and an attractive business environment, guided by clear, predictable and safe rules, becoming an important player in the global low-carbon hydrogen market. “We have a domestic market with great potential and robust logistics to export hydrogen to the main international markets. In other words, hydrogen can and should be a reality in Brazil”, she points out.

Currently, the main hydrogen projects underway are in Ceará, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia. Initiatives have already been announced in Rio Grande do Norte, Espírito Santo and Rio Grande do Sul. Among the projects included by the plants are blue and green hydrogen hybrids, wind, solar and hydrogen generation from sea water. There are also memorandums of understanding signed between private agents and state governments. These projects total more than $20 billion.

National Hydrogen Program (PNH2)

With the aim of strengthening the hydrogen market and industry as an energy vector in Brazil, the National Hydrogen Program (PNH2) has been discussed since 2021. The PNH2 is made up of a Management Committee – coordinated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and made up of various government bodies and entities – and five Thematic Chambers to discuss specific issues. The coordinator of the Program Management Committee, Agnes da Costa, emphasizes that the initiative was built collaboratively. "The proposed concepts and structure result from a process that involved the participation of several stakeholders in the hydrogen value chain, including meetings with companies in the sector, potential consumers and investors, energy consultants, lawyers, academia and civil society organizations", he says. .

The technical works of the PNH2 have been developed through thematic chambers. "Currently, we are preparing a three-year action plan, which should be presented to the public consultation in December, listing the activities to be developed and implemented in a three-year schedule", said the coordinator of the Chamber of Legal and Regulatory-Normative Framework of the PNH2, Patricia Naccache.

The coordinator of the Energy Planning Chamber, Samira Fernandes, believes that the program is strategic in the climate issue. “The PNH2 plays a fundamental role in realizing the Brazilian vision of energy transition and carbon neutrality by 2050”, she adds.

Click to find out more information about the PNH2

MME at COP 27

In addition to the director of the SPE, Marina Rossi, the deputy secretary of the MME's Secretariat of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (SPG), Marisa Barros, will also address Brazil's opportunities for energy transition at COP 27.

The Brazilian government is developing important actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Brazil has already been highlighted at the event, for having one of the cleanest electrical matrices in the world, with 84% of renewable sources.

With this, the country has been relevant in the global energy transition. The variety of natural resources available in Brazil, in addition to ensuring energy security, is a strong ally in encouraging the diversification of energy sources in the country.

Learn more about COP 27 on the Ministry of the Environment's YouTube channel.