The Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI) has just launched a cutting-edge infrastructure for the production of low-carbon hydrogen, the Green Hydrogen Center (CH2V) , on its Itajubá campus. This milestone, made possible with a contribution of almost R$25 million from the German government , aims to position UNIFEI as a reference in research and development of low-carbon hydrogen, a promising technology for decarbonizing industrial and transportation sectors. CH2V is the result of a collaboration between several entities , including the Itajubá Foundation for Support to Teaching, Research and Extension (FAPEPE), GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) and the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy, with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The unit aims not only to generate low-emission hydrogen, but also to act as a laboratory for innovation and training of specialized professionals, helping Brazil play a strategic role in the global low-carbon economy. CH2V also reinforces UNIFEI’s sustainable credentials, as the hydrogen produced will be powered entirely by renewable energy, with sources ranging from solar panels to a hydroelectric plant.
Cutting-edge Infrastructure for Sustainable Research and Production
The CH2V infrastructure includes a 300 kW PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzer, which allows the production of 60Nm³/h of hydrogen , using solar energy from three UNIFEI solar plants. In addition, the center has a station for refueling hydrogen-powered vehicles, creating opportunities to test this technology in the urban mobility sector, one of the key applications of low-emission hydrogen.
With laboratories equipped for advanced research, CH2V is able to meet the demands of industries seeking to reduce emissions in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as maritime, land and even air transportation. The new center also aims to be a space for the development of hydrogen solutions aimed at electricity generation and industrial processes, areas that have been the focus of great attention in the context of global energy transition policies.
International Collaboration to Drive Energy Transition in Brazil
The inauguration of CH2V represents a significant advance for UNIFEI and Brazil in hydrogen research, resulting from a broad partnership with the H2Brasil project and the Brazil-Germany Cooperation for Sustainable Development. This alliance brings advantages not only in terms of technology transfer, but also in strengthening local capacities to compete in the globally expanding low-emission hydrogen market .
With the support of the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy and academic institutions, UNIFEI intends to transform CH2V into a center of excellence that will train new professionals and attract investments, encouraging the private sector to adopt low-emission hydrogen as an energy alternative . At a time when decarbonization becomes urgent, CH2V is well positioned to offer sustainable solutions and consolidate Brazil as an emerging leader in the field of renewable hydrogen.
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