Brazilan duo studying development of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels

Brazilian energy company Eletrobras and compatriot pulp producer Suzano have formed a partnership to study the development of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels.

The study will investigate the technical and economic feasibility of utilizing natural biogenic CO2 generated as part of Suzano’s current production process to manufacture new forms of sustainable fuels, especially e-methanol.

The research will also assess the viability of constructing a synthetic fuel production unit.

“This strategic cooperation agreement establishes the basis for studying the feasibility of producing sustainable fuels, aiming to meet the growing demand for low-carbon hydrogen and its byproducts in the national and international market,” said Ítalo Freitas, Vice President of Trading and Energy Solutions at Eletrobras.

“We believe this study, in partnership with Eletrobras, will strengthen Brazil’s competitive edge in the global bioeconomy and could significantly contribute to the energy transition and decarbonization, particularly in transportation. The production of e-methanol, a fuel derived from renewable inputs such as biogenic CO2 and low-carbon hydrogen, is one of the most likely candidates to replace fossil fuels in the maritime industry,” added Paulo Squariz, Energy Director at Suzano.

The partnership has been under discussion since the second half of 2023 and is said to reaffirm Eletrobras’ commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and the energy transition. Eletrobras has also recently signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with other companies and state governments for the production of renewable hydrogen in Brazil.

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