Paulo Squariz: “E-methanol is One of the Most Likely Candidates to Replace Fossil Fuels in the Maritime Industry”
Power giant Eletrobras and pulp maker Suzano have been discussing a partnership since last year and will now explore the feasibility of producing “green” fuel using biogenic CO2, a by-product of Suzano’s pulp production, according to the companies.
Biogenic CO2, generated from the burning of biomass and black liquor, can be captured and combined with renewable hydrogen to create synthetic fuels. The companies see potential demand and scalability for this process.
One of their main focuses is on e-methanol, which is considered a promising alternative for decarbonising the transport and logistics industries.
Paulo Squariz, Suzano’s energy head, stated, “E-methanol is a leading candidate to replace fossil fuels in the maritime industry. Its production would significantly contribute to the energy transition.”
Eletrobras, Latin America’s largest utility, has been increasingly focusing on “green” solutions, leveraging its vast hydroelectric resources to provide clean power for future green hydrogen projects at competitive prices.
Earlier this month, Eletrobras partnered with infrastructure firm Prumo to produce green hydrogen at a port in Rio de Janeiro, following a similar agreement with Green Energy Park (GEP) in northeastern Brazil.
The memorandum signed at an event in Rio also allows for studies on large-scale projects. Under this agreement, Eletrobras will supply hydroelectric power to companies aiming to establish low-carbon hydrogen projects in Rio’s Port of Açu, operated by Prumo and controlled by EIG Global Energy Partners and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company (MUDEV.UL).
“This agreement establishes the foundation for strategic cooperation,” said Eletrobras’ head of energy solutions Italo Freitas, regarding the deal with Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer. “It aims to meet the growing demand for low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives in both national and international markets.”
Suzano, a major renewable energy producer from biomass, currently has an installed capacity of 1.3 gigawatts.
