Prumo, the economic group responsible for the strategic development of Porto do Açu, along with its subsidiary Porto do Açu and the Norwegian company Fuella AS, have signed the first area reservation contract for a newly licenced low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives hub within the port complex in northern Rio de Janeiro state. The announcement was made on Monday, 12th August, by Prumo Group CEO, Rogério Zampronha, during Prumo Day in São Paulo.

This strategic hub spans a total of one million square metres, with Fuella securing a significant portion of the area through the agreement. This marks Fuella’s first venture in Brazil. Fuella AS, supported by Allianz Capital Partners on behalf of Allianz insurance companies, has Allianz as its main investor, one of the world’s leading insurers, asset managers, and investors, headquartered in Germany.

Companies Also Announce, During Prumo Day, a Memorandum of Understanding for a 520 MW Green Ammonia Plant at the Port Complex

In addition to the area reservation contract, the companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the development of the project, detailing its phases and schedules. The project aims to implement a green ammonia plant with a capacity of up to 520 MW, based on water electrolysis. This plant is expected to produce 400,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, which can be shipped through the port’s liquids terminal for both export and domestic use.

The agreement and MoU were executed with the support of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, a subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s second-largest port and a strategic partner of Porto do Açu. The expectation is that Açu will become a new export corridor for green ammonia from Brazil to Europe.

Mauro Andrade, executive director of business development at Prumo, highlighted the significance of this development, emphasising its contribution to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy. He noted that the ecosystem at Porto do Açu is well-prepared and offers competitive advantages for the production of green hydrogen and ammonia, both for export and for meeting the needs of the Brazilian domestic market.

The timeline for Fuella’s green ammonia plant project anticipates a final investment decision within the next four years, with the first molecules expected to be delivered by 2030.

Dr. Thorsten Helms, managing director of business & corporate development at Fuella, described the agreement as a landmark for the company, expanding its portfolio of international projects in competitive and attractive regions. He praised Porto do Açu as an ideal location and partner, citing the site’s infrastructure and the dedication and support of the Prumo team as key factors in their decision.

Porto do Açu, the largest private port-industrial complex in Latin America, offers water availability from multiple sources—a crucial element for hydrogen projects—as well as robust export infrastructure. The complex is connected to the National Interconnected System and can develop 100 percent renewable on-grid and off-grid projects, providing certified energy that meets European Union standards.

The low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives hub at Porto do Açu received a Preliminary License from the Rio de Janeiro Government in January of this year, marking an unprecedented step forward. The hub aims to create an integrated platform for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production, linked to ammonia and methanol production units. The hydrogen produced at the hub can be exported or used as input for future low-carbon industrial clusters to be established at Açu.

For more information visit www.prumologistica.com.br

14 August 2024