Training of Highly Qualified Human Resources Specialized in the Generation and Application of Sustainable Hydrogen as a Decarbonization Agent

• Grant number: 25/02762-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Ernesto Chaves Pereira de Souza
• Grantee: Ernesto Chaves Pereira de Souza
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Carlos
• Principal investigators: Cauê Ribeiro de Oliveira ; Kleber Thiago de Oliveira ; Lucia Helena Mascaro Sales ; Márcio Weber Paixão
• Associated researchers: Caterina Gruenwaldt Cunha Marques Netto ; Ivo Freitas Teixeira ; Marco Antonio Barbosa Ferreira ; Roberta Cerasi Urban

Abstract

In the global context, Brazil stands out internationally for having a predominantly renewable energy matrix, with over 80% of the installed electrical capacity coming from clean sources. This scenario creates a favorable environment for the production of low-carbon-intensity renewable hydrogen, obtained through water electrolysis, using energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Furthermore, sustainable hydrogen can also be generated from biomass, as well as through the reforming of biogas or natural gas, combined with carbon capture and storage technologies, thus leveraging the vast natural resources available in the country. Renewable hydrogen not only plays a key role in the global energy transition but also holds significant potential for integrating into strategic industrial processes. Among its applications, noteworthy examples include the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and maritime fuels, as well as fertilizers and active pharmaceutical ingredients.When used in the synthesis of SAF, renewable hydrogen replaces fossil fuels in the aviation sector, contributing significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in this segment. In ammonia production, a key component for fertilizers, renewable hydrogen enables more sustainable agriculture, which is crucial for food security and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector. Additionally, renewable hydrogen is an essential input for producing active compounds used in the manufacturing of medications, enhancing public health and driving national technological advancement.Considering the above, this project aims to train highly qualified human resources at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as professionals with doctoral degrees in postdoctoral stages and visiting researchers, within these research fields, contributing to regional and national development in these areas. (AU)