Portuguese utility EDP plans to develop green hydrogen pilot project at the Pecem port complex which is emerging as a hub for the new renewable fuel.
The R41.9mn ($8.1mn) pilot plant is scheduled to begin operating in late 2022 and aims to test the economic viability of similar projects in the northeastern region.
The project includes a 3MW solar plant to power a modular electrolyzer with hydrogen production capacity of 250 m3/hour.
Pecem has already attracted nearly $20bn in hydrogen investment commitments from companies including industrial gas firm White Martins, French renewables firm Qair and Australian companies Enegix Energy and Fortescue Future Industries (FFI).
EDP said it would use the pilot project as an opportunity to develop a partnership with potential consumers of green hydrogen and to test storage and power generation with the fuel. The project will also assess the scalability of green hydrogen projects.
The company already operates the 720MW Pecem coal-fired plant in the port and has renewable power assets in Brazil through its subsidiary EDP Renewables.
EDP is controlled by China Three Gorges.

