In a significant announcement, the CEO of Petrobras, Jean Paul Prates, revealed that the upcoming offshore wind farms in Brazil will primarily focus on producing low-carbon hydrogen. This strategic shift aligns with the country’s surplus energy production and its ambitions to embrace renewable alternatives amidst the ongoing energy transition.

Offshore wind farms to deliver low-carbon hydrogen

The plans to develop offshore wind energy and low-carbon hydrogen projects have gained momentum within Petrobras as part of their commitment to a more sustainable energy landscape. Prates emphasized that the surplus energy in Brazil indicates that the offshore wind projects are unlikely to cater to everyday energy consumption but will be channeled towards low-carbon hydrogen production.

Prates expounded upon this matter, articulating that, “These offshore wind farms will be primarily dedicated to low-carbon hydrogen production. Hydrogen is downstream of this large-scale renewable energy… To be low-carbon, it has to come from renewable sources… And for it to be renewable, it must be large-scale and cost-effective.”

Prates also indicated that the low-carbon hydrogen produced in Brazil is likely to be aimed at international markets before domestic consumption. As the country undergoes its own energy transition, the hydrogen will be used to meet external demands while Brazil continues its gradual shift from diesel to cleaner alternatives like gasoline and ethanol.

The Northeast region of Brazil emerges as a prime candidate for offshore wind energy generation due to its exceptional wind resources and the potential for cost-effective installations in shallow waters. Prates expressed optimism in the region’s potential for becoming a hub of offshore wind energy.

189 GW of projects

With projects totaling 189 gigawatts (GW) of capacity in initial licensing with Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources), Brazil is poised to tap into its immense potential for offshore wind energy. The government’s intention to establish a regulatory framework for offshore wind energy and low-carbon hydrogen by the end of the year further underlines the nation’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.

The convergence of offshore wind energy and low-carbon hydrogen in Brazil reflects the global trend of synergizing renewable resources to achieve efficient and eco-friendly energy production. As the country continues its journey towards energy sustainability, the innovative pairing of hydrogen and offshore wind could prove to be a game-changer, fostering economic growth while addressing environmental concerns.

Do you want to learn more about hydrogen and Brazil? Then our last article on the subject should interest you. You can read it here.