Brazil’s ministry of energy advances key hydrogen bill

Brazil’s energy ministry advances key hydrogen bill | Windpower Monthly

Energy minister Alexandre Silveira said the newly released national hydrogen programme was a “fundamental milestone” in Brazil's strategy to lead the global energy transition. Defining a regulatory legal framework for the sector is one of the plan’s three priorities.

The MME has begun a series of weekly meetings on the proposed bill with the management committee of the national hydrogen programme, known as Coges PNH2.

Framework

The bill is expected to include a definition of low-carbon hydrogen, establish a formal institution for hydrogen certification, and set strategic guidelines that align with Brazil’s international commitments, such as the Paris Agreement.

The triennial work plan, from 2023–2025, aims to increase annual investments in research, development and innovation in low-carbon hydrogen from BRL 29 million ($6 million) in 2020 to BRL 200 million per year in 2025. The plan also aims to expand access to competitive financing with development banks to make large-scale projects feasible.

Thiago Barral, national secretary for the energy transition and planning at the MME, said the plan aims to set up low-carbon hydrogen pilot plants in all regions of the country by 2025.

By 2030, the plan aims for Brazil to establish its position “as the most competitive producer of the commodity in the world” and, in 2035, to consolidate low-carbon hydrogen hubs across the country.

Barral said that Brazil has the technical potential to produce 1.8Gt of hydrogen per year.

With the plan in place, MME expects to attract greater engagement from the private sector in support of the strategy.

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