Clean energy may be Piauí’s gateway to the world

In partnership with

The northeastern Brazilian state of Piauí isn’t among the country’s richest or most populous states — in fact it is closer to the poorest, and least populous — but its strategic focus on clean energy and international partnerships has propelled Piauí onto the global stage. 

Speaking at the Financial Times’ Brazil Summit in New York City this week — an event supported by The Brazilian Report — Piauí Governor Rafael Fonteles underscored the critical importance of linking his state to global markets, outlining key initiatives such as the establishment of new business offices in Lisbon, Boston, Xiamen (China), and São Paulo, aimed at fostering robust partnerships.

Piauí is engaging in efforts to digitize its state services and streamline bureaucracy, encouraging an entrepreneurial environment that has garnered plaudits of late. Notably, Piauí featured 8th place for innovative entrepreneurship in a recent state competitiveness ranking. 

In 2023 alone, the state’s development agency injected over BRL 2 million into promising entrepreneurial ventures, signaling a commitment to economic growth driven by innovation.

However, the linchpin of Piauí’s future economic trajectory lies in its ambitious plan to become a global hub for the energy transition. Mr. Fonteles envisions Piauí as a leading producer of green hydrogen, a clean and versatile fuel with transformative potential across multiple industries. 

Piauí has already attracted significant investment pledges, including a groundbreaking project to establish a green hydrogen park partly funded by the European Union. This initiative, slated to be the world’s largest of its kind, boasts an estimated production capacity of 20 gigawatts of power and is projected to create up to 20,000 jobs within the next decade.

The enthusiasm for green hydrogen stems from its versatility. This sustainable fuel can power vehicles, heat boilers, produce steel using clean methods, and is integral to the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — a critical component in the global aviation sector’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. Notably, Airbus, the world’s leading commercial aircraft manufacturer, is poised to introduce hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035, underscoring the growing demand for clean aviation technologies.

Mr. Fonteles is keenly aware of the complexities involved in executing large-scale projects such as the green hydrogen park, emphasizing that progress is already underway on crucial regulatory and environmental fronts.

Against the backdrop of global climate concerns and Brazil’s environmental challenges, initiatives like those pioneered by Piauí offer a glimmer of hope. Mr. Fonteles believes that by significantly reducing deforestation and leveraging Piauí’s nearly completely green electricity matrix, Brazil can play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable energy future for the world.

The vision extends beyond energy. Piauí is also making waves in education through a groundbreaking partnership with Google aimed at teaching artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. This ambitious initiative, which began in 2023, has already seen 120,000 students engage with AI lessons as part of their curriculum.

“AI will permeate all aspects of human activity. We must equip our youth with the skills to harness and responsibly leverage these transformative tools,” says Mr. Fonteles.

Piauí’s journey challenges conventional perceptions of what a small Brazilian state can achieve, and aims to position it as a dynamic player on the global stage. In a world grappling with climate change and technological disruption, Piauí’s may try to show itself as a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of strategic investments in sustainable development. 

As Piauí continues to chart its course towards a greener, more innovative future, the world is watching, poised to witness the ascent of a small state with big ambitions.

The post Clean energy may be Piauí’s gateway to the world appeared first on The Brazilian Report.