Brazil tests green hydrogen in Rio de Janeiro, opening the way for the future of the energy transition.

Brazil is taking concrete steps to make green hydrogen a driver of the energy transition, with the state of Rio de Janeiro at the center of testing. Coppe UFRJ has inaugurated a pilot plant that produces hydrogen through electrolysis powered by solar energy and uses it in mobility and industrial process research including hydrogen-powered bicycles and fuel cells.

On the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro, the Port of Açu is moving forward with plans to begin operations of a pilot plant with an initial capacity of 10 MW, scalable to 100 MW — a step seen as a key driver for applications in renewable ammonia and service to industrial clients.

In 2024, Eletrobras and Prumo signed a memorandum to assess the feasibility of this unit at Açu and of larger-scale projects, with a supply of low-carbon energy and integration of industrial chains, reinforcing the ambition of establishing an energy transition hub in the state.

At the national level, Aneel approved an initial package of 13 green hydrogen projects, with implementation scheduled to begin in 2025. This expands the pipeline of initiatives and creates a testing environment for technologies, business models, and regulations.

Experts point out that success will depend on competitive costs, long-term supply contracts, and integration with energy-intensive sectors. In Rio de Janeiro, the next milestones are the consolidation of the pilot operation at UFRJ and the advancement of the project at the Port of Açu, which could unlock applications in port logistics, low-carbon steelmaking, and marine fuels. Industry reports also project a gradual expansion of capacity throughout the decade, supported by R&D and export routes.