CASE STUDIES
Identifying approaches to support the development of the Brazilian low carbon hydrogen industry

Client: Brazil Energy Programme - UK FCDO

THE CHALLENGE

As part of the FCDO funded Brazil Energy Programme, Brazilian EPE (Energy Research Office) wanted to understand what approaches and measures have been successfully used in other countries to support the development of a blue and turquoise (low carbon) hydrogen industry. This included identifying key learnings and challenges in the development of global blue and turquoise hydrogen projects and the current and early stage technologies enabling this industry, as well as the potential for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) outcomes.

THE OUTCOME

CLT delivered a study mapping the development of global blue and turquoise hydrogen projects, value and innovation chains. This provided recommendations on several key factors which would be important in the development of the Brazilian low carbon hydrogen sector including long term policy frameworks and roadmaps, funding and incubating innovation, and market creating infrastructure and regulation. The report was included alongside two technical notes on blue and turquoise hydrogen, authored by leading Brazilian academics from a wide group of local institutions including research centres at the Universities of Sao Paulo and Campinas.

CLT delivered a study mapping global low carbon hydrogen strategies and roadmaps, projects and technologies, identifying how these had supported the successful development of low carbon hydrogen industries and what lessons from this could be applied in Brazil. Based on the findings, of the report, a range of recommendations were proposed to support the development of the Brazilian low carbon hydrogen sector and the implementation of the National Hydrogen Plan (PNH)

The project was led by an industry expert with over 20 years of CCUS and blue hydrogen experience and the evidence base was gathered through a combination of expert interviews and desk-based research.

CLT carried out a detailed survey of blue and turquoise hydrogen technologies, CCUS technologies, low carbon hydrogen clusters and projects, research centres, universities, associations and trade bodies, relevant public policy initiatives, regulation, and governmental financial support in the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, Canada, South Korea and Japan.

Analysis of this research, back up by leading sector stakeholder interviews provided a detailed set of data which enabled the team to identify key global themes in the low carbon hydrogen industry and how these could be used to develop the low carbon hydrogen industry in Brazil. The key results included:

  • Long term national strategies to provide certainty for the private sector
  • Regulatory support to develop viable markets
  • Financial support for clusters and projects, through both direct government funding, and incentives for private investment
  • Support for SMEs through grant funding and acceleration support

Eight case studies were also produced, focusing on low carbon hydrogen or CCUS companies and projects to highlight how different types of support had been combined to develop the industry.

The team also identified potential collaborations between both public and private organisations in the UK and Brazil which could drive the development of these industries, including SME innovation. This included:

  • A long term strategic energy plan and road map
  • CO2 storage technical and economic feasibility support
  • Market design, regulation, and creation support
  • Project development
  • Public and private sector funding partnerships

CLTs in depth analysis was accepted as part of the wider report to EPE, including detailed insights on the global innovation landscape, and the potential for the long term development of the sector in Brazil.

The organisation has a real commitment to quality and has consistently demonstrated their ability to get things done even in challenging circumstances. CLT drew upon a wide network of advisers and sector experts, including industry leading figures. CLT’s management of workstreams and advisers has been strong, going above and beyond to deliver complex solutions. Their work has been of consistent high quality, delivering on time and within the agreed budget parameters. I’ve been particularly impressed by CLT’s proactive approach to risk management and problem solving which is so critical to the delivery of complex technology demonstration pilots. The partnership has been extremely collaborative and CLT’s management has built strong relationships with ASI, the wider consortium and the client (FCDO).

Zane Kanderian, Director, ASI