Brazilian electricity company Eletrobras is set to utilize its extensive portfolio of hydroelectric power plants to provide stable renewable energy to large customers for the production of green hydrogen and “e-fuels” at competitive costs. Italo Freitas, Eletrobras' Vice President of Commercialization, emphasized the stability of hydroelectric power compared to wind or solar energy, making it an ideal source for clients' decarbonization initiatives.
With over 30 hydroelectric plants across Brazil, Eletrobras plans to allocate a portion of the energy generated to support clients' projects in the emerging green hydrogen and e-fuels industry. The company is exploring various operational models, including potential partnerships for production or acting as a supplier of renewable energy for the processes.
Freitas highlighted the importance of hydroelectric power for stability in renewable energy projects, stating, “You can have wind power, solar power, but it will inevitably come to hydroelectric power to (provide stability)… And who owns hydroelectric plants in Brazil? Eletrobras.”
In a recent development, Eletrobras received renewable origin certification for green hydrogen produced in a pilot project at one of its hydro power plants in Minas Gerais state. This certification marks a significant step in the company's commitment to exploring and expanding its presence in the green hydrogen sector.
The company is actively identifying other hydroelectric plants suitable for green hydrogen projects, demonstrating its dedication to incorporating renewable energy sources into its operations.
Eletrobras, as Latin America's largest electricity company, is adapting to industry changes and embracing decarbonization initiatives as part of its evolving energy trading division. The privatization of Eletrobras last year has allowed for increased flexibility in selling energy on the free market, with plans to offer over 10 GW in the coming years, according to Freitas.
