CPFL Energia has signed a partnership with Mizu Cimentos, part of the Polimix Organization, to implement a green hydrogen pilot plant in Rio Grande do Norte. The hydrogen will be used in the cement manufacturing process, one of the most challenging industries in terms of decarbonization.

The project is part of the research, development and innovation (R&D&I) program of the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) and has the participation of PSR, in addition to Hytron and PS Soluções. The pilot plant, which will be installed in the municipality of Baraúna, will use renewable energy to produce green hydrogen, intended for the cement manufacturing process at the Mizu Cimentos Factory.

For Celso Dall’Orto, head of Planning and Market Intelligence at PSR, the partnership is a major milestone for the development of hydrogen production technology from electrolysis in Brazil. “This project will confirm the applicability of green hydrogen, produced from non-polluting electrical energy, in processes and with local production, in addition to contributing to improvements analyses to make the technology economically viable. Furthermore, the use of hydrogen by Mizu will contribute to the reduction of emissions by an industry that is difficult to decarbonize,” stated the specialist.

The hydrogen plant is expected to start operating in 2027, followed by a monitoring phase to measure the effect of green hydrogen on the reduction of CO₂ emissions, which could reach a reduction of up to 12.5 tons per year. The initiative seeks to meet global targets for reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere to contribute to the sustainability of the cement sector.

The partnership signing ceremony was attended by authorities, including the governor of Rio Grande do Norte, Fátima Bezerra; the Chinese consul general, Lan Heping; the chairman of CPFL Energia, Daobiao Chen; and the CEO of CPFL Energia, Gustavo Estrella. Also present were the CEO of Mizu Cimentos, Roberto de Oliveira, as well as executives from CPFL and State Grid, representatives from Mizu Cimentos, PSR and members of the press.