EDF power solutions has announced the start of operations at its first hydrogen production pilot unit in Brazil, located at the Norte Fluminense thermal power plant in Macaé, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The project required an investment of BRL4.5mn ($882,000) under the Research, Development and Innovation Programme (PROPDI) of the Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (Aneel).
Local production and immediate industrial use
The facility uses electricity from photovoltaic panels to produce up to 18 m³ of hydrogen per day, with a purity level of 99.999%. The gas is intended for use in the plant’s internal industrial processes, particularly in generator cooling systems. The aim is to improve operational performance while reducing operating costs.
EDF power solutions is also planning the future commercialisation of any surplus hydrogen produced. This initiative marks the company’s first industrial integration of hydrogen within its Brazilian facilities.
Patented innovation and energy traceability
The project incorporates advanced technologies, including a patented multi-source energy management system and a hydrogen production tracking system using blockchain. The patent, registered with the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI), grants EDF power solutions exclusive rights to commercially exploit this innovation in Brazil for up to 20 years.
The development of this technological solution has been highlighted by project leaders as a potential lever for attracting future investors. The company also intends to build on this technology to expand hydrogen usage in other industrial applications at the national level.
Strengthening the company’s local positioning
Raíssa Lafranque, Chief Strategy, Commercial, and Development Officer at EDF power solutions in Brazil, stated that the launch of this unit marks a strategic milestone for the company in the country. She referred to the potential to replicate the model on a larger scale.
The company notes that this first facility in the northern region of Rio de Janeiro, developed under Aneel’s R&D programme, represents progress in mastering technologies such as electrolysis. The project also serves as a learning platform for the development of future large-scale hydrogen-based industrial projects.
Fabio Steiner, Research, Development, and Innovation Advisor at EDF power solutions in Brazil, stated that the momentum generated by this initiative aims to strengthen the technical and economic reliability of upcoming projects in the sector.
