There is no doubt that Ceara has great potential in the context of renewable energy, especially with regard to green hydrogen. This possibility has aroused the interest of international companies interested in producing this fuel in the state. Since signing the first memorandum of understanding for green hydrogen production in February 2021, Ceará has attracted more than 30 agreements with partner institutions and national and foreign companies, indicating investments of more than US$30 billion (R$145.7 billion). Four of these agreements have already been pre-contracted, with a planned investment of US$8 billion (R$38.8 billion).
Under the leadership of Governor Elmano de Freitas, the Secretariats of Economic Development and International Relations and the BESIM Complex have committed to attracting companies interested in the potential of green hydrogen as a key pillar in transforming the global energy matrix. The state, with its abundant sunshine and strong winds, is ideal for producing green hydrogen. Moreover, the Besim complex, with its infrastructure, management and legal security, enhances the attractiveness of Ceará in the eyes of investors.
Green hydrogen, obtained through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is a global fuel and crucial in transforming the global energy matrix. Ciara, with its unique characteristics, stands out in the global competition for the best price in the production of this fuel. The investments planned in this series promise to generate employment and technological, industrial, social and economic development, positively impacting the entire North-East region, especially Ceará.
The state also stands out in the production of wind and solar energy, as there are 100 wind farms generating 2,577 megawatts of electricity and 35 solar energy projects distributed over 1,559 megawatts. The Green Hydrogen Center at the Becem Park, launched in partnership with the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) and the Federation of Ceará Industries (Fiec), aims to reduce emissions of polluting gases, boost the economy and create jobs. The expected installed capacity of H2V production at Besim Port is 6 GW by 2034, with the potential to double the number of direct and indirect jobs in the region.
The three companies that signed pre-contracts have until 2024 to make final decisions and sign final contracts, and green hydrogen production is expected to begin between 2026 and 2027. Fortescue, one of these companies, has already begun the environmental licensing process for its project, becoming the first company in Brazil to submit such a study for a large-scale H2V project.
