The 2024 National Energy Balance , presented by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), reflects Brazil's significant progress towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix. The highlight of the report is the strategic role of low-carbon hydrogen, considered one of the biggest bets for the global energy transition and a competitive advantage for the country on the international stage.
With the legal framework established by the Low Carbon Hydrogen Law and robust initiatives such as the National Hydrogen Program (PNH2) , Brazil seeks to consolidate itself as a world leader in the production and export of this sustainable energy source.
Legal Framework and Governance: Structuring the Future of Hydrogen in Brazil
The approval of Law 14.948/2024 was a decisive milestone in regulating the low-carbon hydrogen sector in Brazil. Under the coordination of the Steering Committee of the National Hydrogen Program (Coges-PNH2), the MME is working on the formulation of a regulatory decree that will establish governance for the Brazilian Hydrogen Certification System (SBCH2) .
This certification is crucial to guarantee the traceability and quality of hydrogen produced in the country, ensuring Brazil's competitiveness in the international market. The country, which has the technical potential to produce 1.8 gigatons of hydrogen per year, seeks to meet not only domestic demand, but also to become a major global exporter of the sustainable molecule.
The PNH2 Three-Year Work Plan , launched in 2023, has set ambitious goals. By 2025, the goal is to implement pilot plants in all regions of Brazil. By 2030, the country aims to be the most competitive producer of hydrogen in the world, with the creation of strategic hubs by 2035.
Investment and Infrastructure: Driving Regional Development
The development of the low-emission hydrogen market is intrinsically linked to the planning of the energy transmission infrastructure. With the support of the Energy Research Company (EPE), the MME is focused on expanding the transmission networks, especially in the Northeast region, where hydrogen production from water electrolysis is more advanced.
To date, 57 gigawatts (GW) of projects have been announced at different stages of maturity, with investments already registered totaling R$212 billion . States such as Ceará, Piauí, Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte are leading the race, attracting investors and strengthening the region's energy vocation.
Furthermore, PNH2 seeks to multiply public and private investments in research and development sevenfold by 2025, promoting technological innovations that increase efficiency and reduce the costs of hydrogen production.
Comments