Green Hydrogen in Brazil: perspectives, costs, and potential for participation in the national energy matrix.

• Grant number: 25/24006-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva
• Grantee: Jose Augusto Coelho de Lima
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 25/13631-6 - Routes for the Brazilian Energy Transition: Biomethane and Green Hydrogen, AP.R

Abstract

The transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix stands among the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. Within this scenario, green hydrogen (H¿V) emerges as a strategic alternative to replace fossil fuels and decarbonize energy-intensive sectors such as transportation and steelmaking. Brazil, with its predominantly renewable electricity matrix and abundant potential in renewable sources such as wind and solar, is in a privileged position to develop this energy pathway. However, the implementation of H¿V faces significant economic, technological, and institutional challenges, which this research proposal aims to explore and address.This undergraduate research project seeks to assess the main challenges and opportunities for deploying green hydrogen in Brazil, examining its technical, economic, regulatory, and educational dimensions. It also aims to propose strategies and solutions for consolidating an efficient and sustainable energy transition in which H¿V plays a central role. The study will analyze multiple layers shaping the structure of H¿V as an energy source, from technological barriers to institutional and policy considerations.The general objective of this research is to evaluate the development routes of green hydrogen in Brazil, addressing production, distribution, and storage costs, as well as regulatory obstacles and market integration strategies. The specific objectives include: mapping the technological and economic state of the art of H¿V in the country; analyzing the existing regulatory and institutional framework to identify gaps and opportunities for public policy; investigating how education, training, and university outreach can foster awareness and capacity-building in the field of green hydrogen; and, finally, formulating strategic recommendations that integrate technical, regulatory, and social perspectives on this transition.The methodology will be structured into four essential stages. The first stage consists of a bibliographic and documentary review of H¿V technologies, costs, and market dynamics, drawing from national and international sources. The second stage involves a simplified techno-economic analysis based on levelized cost of hydrogen models, considering variables such as the cost of renewable electricity, electrolyzer efficiency, initial investment (CAPEX), and transportation and storage expenses. These analyses will allow comparisons between the costs of green hydrogen and gray hydrogen while revealing how different regions of Brazil may be better suited for adopting H¿V technologies.The third stage will analyze how public institutions can effectively promote H¿V development through policy instruments and incentives, as well as evaluate the private sector's engagement and its willingness to invest in and integrate this energy vector into its portfolio.The fourth stage will synthesize the research results into a multidisciplinary framework, integrating technical, regulatory, geographic, and educational insights. This synthesis will culminate in a proposal for implementing H¿V in Brazil, emphasizing the role of universities as centers of innovation and as catalysts for a just and sustainable energy transition.Expected outcomes include a technical-scientific report, outreach materials accessible to the academic community and the general public, and the potential submission of an article to an undergraduate research conference. Beyond producing concrete outputs, the project aims to establish a foundation for future studies and initiatives that can further advance Brazil's position in the emerging green hydrogen economy.By aligning with the mission of UNICAMP and the Centro Paulista de Estudos da Transição Energética (CPTEn), this proposal reinforces the connection of teaching, research, and extension in the pursuit of sustainability. It reflects the broader role of public universities in promoting environmentally responsable development.