Brazil bets on “green hydrogen” as fuel of the future – Minister of Mines and Energy

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – According to the Minister of Mines and Energy, a program to develop green hydrogen in the country is expected to be launched in June, which should result in the first legal framework for the segment.

Minister of Mines and Energy Bento Albuquerque said that hydrogen is Brazil’s choice in the development of the “fuels of the future.”

He said the country has been studying the new source of electricity generation for 20 years, and has international partnerships with Germany, Chile and other countries. He took part on Monday, May 31, in the Brazil 2021 Investment Forum.

Albuquerque said that green hydrogen, which does not involve the emission of pollutant gases, should be encouraged by the government. According to him, a program to develop green hydrogen in Brazil will be launched in June.

In parallel, Brazil is starting to discuss the incorporation of offshore wind power generation, which currently has 32 gigawatts (GW) of power in projects related to this source. The majority of these projects are primarily in the Northeast and South regions.

In his opening speech, the Minister pointed out to foreign investors that 49% of Brazil’s energy matrix is considered renewable. Considering only the electricity sector, this figure rises to 85% renewable sources.

Albuquerque pointed out that Brazil is a natural leader in the energy transition process, which values low carbon emission sources. Therefore, the country will make an important contribution to a world with zero emissions, the goal set for 2050. During the event, he mentioned that the electric sector should receive R$400 (US$76.6) billion in the coming years.

Biofuels

According to the Minister, the share of biofuels in the products sold at service stations contributes to reducing the emission of pollutant gases and, consequently,extending the permanence of oil derivatives in the world market.

Albuquerque pointed out that the Brazilian biofuels policy is an international reference. He recalled that gasoline sold at the pumps contains 27% ethanol, and diesel contains 13% biodiesel. Similar measures are being adopted in several countries, he said.

“This share of biofuels in a way extends the life of fossil fuels, because they emit less [gases into the atmosphere],” the Minister said.

Hydrological Crisis

The Minister pointed to “climate change” as the cause of the water crisis that has affected the electric sector and left the country running the risk of a supply shortage.

Lack of rainfall since September last year has not permitted the recovery of the level of water in reservoirs of large hydroelectric plants. Some specialists argue that the sector’s bodies should have anticipated measures to preserve the volume of water in the reservoirs, using greater thermal generation sources, and an agreement to retain water from plants closer to the river’s headwaters.

Albuquerque acknowledged that the electrical system needs to better address the new dynamics imposed by climate change. Government authorities are required to prepare the sector not only for the more recurrent dry spells, but also for intermittent renewable energy generation.

Despite the delicate situation, Albuquerque said he is looking for solutions to the current crisis with “great tranquility.” “I look at this moment with serenity. We are very well organized. There is governance within the electric sector, and also in the federal government, with so many ministries required to address this challenge Brazil is undergoing,” he said.

According to Albuquerque, the Ministry of Mines and Energy has “received signs of great support from all players.” He mentioned the political arena, the legal environment, society, and the sector itself. “I have no doubt that we have all the elements to overcome it. This is the message I leave,” he said.

Source: Valor