Brazilian Oil Giant Expands into Clean Energy with Pilot Plant and CCUS Projects

Petrobras, the Brazilian oil and gas company, is investing $16 million (BRL 90 million) in a renewable hydrogen pilot plant. They will build the plant at the Vale do Açu Thermoelectric Plant in Brazil.

Petrobras is collaborating with the Senai Institute for Innovation in Renewable Energy (Senai ISI-ER) on the project. WEG, a Brazilian electrification company, will implement the project. Petrobras expects the pilot plant to start operations in the first quarter of 2026.

Renewable Hydrogen Production through Water Electrolysis

The pilot plant will produce renewable hydrogen through solar-powered water electrolysis. Water electrolysis uses an electric current to break down water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

Petrobras will increase the existing Alto Rodrigues Photovoltaic Plant’s capacity from 1.1 MWp to 2.5 MWp. This will support the 2 megawatt (MW) electrolysis pilot unit. They will use the produced hydrogen for power generation and blending studies with natural gas in microturbines.

Maurício Tolmasquim, Petrobras Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability, highlighted the project’s significance. He noted that it represents the company’s first step towards commercial initiatives in sustainable hydrogen. Renewable hydrogen production reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes the use of Brazil’s abundant and sustainable natural resources.

Studying the Effects of Hydrogen-Natural Gas Blends

Petrobras is pioneering the study of the effects of adding renewable hydrogen to natural gas in microturbines in Brazil. They will test the performance and structural integrity of microturbines with various hydrogen-natural gas mixtures.

Exploring CCUS and Low-Carbon Hydrogen Projects

In August, Petrobras signed a protocol of intentions with the Espirito Santo state government and Federação das Indústrias do Espírito Santo (Findes). The agreement aims to explore carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and low-carbon hydrogen projects. They will assess the feasibility of implementing a CCUS hub and facilities to produce low-carbon hydrogen for decarbonizing industries.

Petrobras already holds the title of the world’s largest CO2 capturer, accounting for about 25% of the total in 2022. This positions the company well to design and build CCUS hubs. Petrobras is evaluating project opportunities across Brazil to contribute to greenhouse gas emission reduction targets by 2050. They aim to promote a just energy transition.

Key Takeaways

  • Petrobras is investing $16 million in a renewable hydrogen pilot plant in Brazil.
  • The plant will use solar-powered water electrolysis to produce hydrogen.
  • Petrobras is studying the effects of hydrogen-natural gas blends in microturbines.
  • The company is exploring CCUS and low-carbon hydrogen projects in Espírito Santo.
  • Petrobras aims to contribute to emission reduction targets and promote a just energy transition.

Read More: Carbon Capture in Illinois : Challenges and Opportunities

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