Natural gas, H2V hubs stand as opportunities for Petrobras in Pecém

Ceará, the leader in Brazil regarding green hydrogen (H2V) projects and natural gas hubs, is the priority for receiving investments from Petrobras, said Douglas Uchoa, director of the Oil Industry Workers Union (Sindipetro).

Uchoa highlights that the partnership between the state and the company is viable and suitable, as there is an already functional infrastructure in Ceará. Moreover, President Jean Paul Prates’ has reaffirmed the commitment to involving Petrobras in Brazil’s energy transition.

“Pecém’s assets and Petrobras’ Termoceará Thermoelectric Power Plant offer strategic advantages for the company’s plans to achieve a fair and secure energy transition. This includes expanding and modernizing assets, prioritizing energy efficiency, and decarbonizing operations,” he added.

Termoceará, situated near the Ceará Export Processing Zone, boasts a capacity of 220 megawatts, capable of powering approximately 1 million homes.

Petrobras currently operates a floating regasification terminal at Pier 2 of the Port of Pecém, with a capacity of 14 million cubic meters of liquefied natural gas per day. This terminal is connected to a 20-kilometer gas pipeline, facilitating gas transportation and distribution to industries and households in the Pecém Complex region.

Suggestions

Uchoa has two suggestions for Petrobras. Firstly, the company can participate in auctions for supplying electricity to gas-fired thermal plants, as scheduled by the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Secondly, Petrobras can initiate studies on transitioning these plants to green hydrogen.

“Taking these actions will ensure Petrobras’ sustainability in the region, promoting the consolidation of a profitable and integrated energy company that plays a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. It will also foster prosperity, economic growth, and technological development in Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte states,” Uchoa concludes.

The contract for Petrobras’ floating terminal in Pecém is set to expire by the end of the year, with the Port already making plans for alternative use of the area.

Source: O Povo

To read the original piece, please visit: https://mais.opovo.com.br/jornal/economia/2023/06/12/hubs-de-gas-natural-e-h2v-sao-oportunidades-para-a-petrobras-no-pecem.html

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