In an exclusive interview with H2 Today during the Hyvolution Paris 2024 event, Paulo Emílio de Miranda, President of the Brazilian Hydrogen Association (ABH2), shared insights into Brazil’s positioning in the international hydrogen market and ABH2’s initiatives.
When asked about Brazil’s international standing in the hydrogen market, Professor Paulo Emílio de Miranda emphasised the country’s unique position as both an auto-sufficient hydrogen producer for domestic use and a future exporter. He highlighted the country’s abundance of natural resources, including renewable energy from hydropower, wind, and solar sources, providing a solid foundation for hydrogen production.
Diverse Hydrogen Production Opportunities
The Brazilian Hydrogen Association, under Professor Miranda’s leadership, envisions a diverse range of hydrogen production methods beyond traditional water electrolysis. While electrolysis is a viable option given Brazil’s access to affordable renewable energy and easy access to water, the association also explores alternatives such as fossil fuels with carbon sequestration, biofuels, and or waste biomass. A position that is revealing of Brazil’s status as an agro-industrial powerhouse.
Addressing ABH2’s stance on electrolysis production, Professor Miranda emphasized the association’s broader perspective. Beyond electrolysis, Brazil’s vast biofuel resources, coupled with the discovery of natural hydrogen wells, position the country for a multifaceted approach to hydrogen production, ensuring sustainability and resilience.
Hydrogen-Powered Mobility in Brazil
Professor Paulo Emílio de Miranda discussed Brazil’s unique achievements in clean mobility, citing the successful large-scale adoption of ethanol (derived from sugarcane) for automobiles. He highlighted ongoing developments, including the introduction of a hydrogen fuel cell bus in Marica, Rio de Janeiro, and prospects for hydrogen adoption in heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks and trains. Brazil’s prior success with ethanol has positioned the country favorably for a smooth transition to hydrogen-powered transportation.
The interview provides valuable insights into Brazil’s strategic approach to hydrogen, emphasising its dual role as a self-sufficient market and a potential global exporter, supported by the Brazilian Hydrogen Association’s diverse and forward-thinking initiatives.
You can watch the full interview here.
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