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Shell Brasil, Raizen, Hytron, Senai join Marcopolo, Toyota and Hyundai in the project.
Brazil marks a global success with the launch of the first plant that produces green hydrogen from bioethanol, a technology developed by the University of Sao Paulo (USP) and the Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RCGI). The initiative promises to transform the clean energy landscape on a global scale. With an investment close to 9 million dollars, this pioneering installation represents a synergy between the academic world, industry and government.
Participants include Shell Brasil, Raízen, Hytron, SENAI CETIQT and manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai and Marcopolo. Everyone shares the objective of leveraging the consolidated bioethanol infrastructure in Brazil to produce and distribute green hydrogen in an efficient and sustainable way. For his part, Marcopolo carried out a modification of one of his bodies, to also develop a new cooling system, the installation of the fuel cell, controllers and electric motor.
The use of bioethanol as an intermediary facilitates hydrogen logistics, traditionally limited by its transport and storage difficulties. Thanks to existing networks, especially in countries like Brazil and Argentina, bioethanol allows hydrogen to be brought to wherever it is needed, acting as a “liquid battery”. The technical process is based on the reformation of ethanol with steam, which allows obtaining hydrogen with reduced emissions, since the CO₂ generated is of biogenic origin and can be compensated through the sugar cane cultivation cycle.
The plant will be able to produce 100 kilos of hydrogen per day, the plant will supply three buses and light vehicles, including the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo. This experiment will measure consumption, conversion and the feasibility of integrating hydrogen into public transport in São Paulo.But the impact goes further: heavy industry, such as steel, cement, fertilizers or petrochemicals, could also benefit from green hydrogen from bioethanol, significantly reducing its carbon emissions.
During a visit to the plant, governor Tarcísio de Freitas highlighted that São Paulo has everything to lead this energy transition. For his part, the rector of USP, Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior, highlighted the role of the university as a generator of disruptive technologies with social impact. The next step will be to scale the project. According to Julio Meneghini, scientific director of the RCGI, the results will be analyzed to replicate the model in other regions.
