Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Porto do Açu Operações S.A. (Port of Açu), to investigate the opportunity to develop hydrogen-based green industrial projects in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The MOU will see FFI and Port of Açu conduct development studies into the feasibility of installing a green hydrogen plant at Port of Açu, Latin America’s largest privately owned deep-water port-industrial complex.
The project, which is subject to the outcome of the studies, envisages construction of a 300 megawatt capacity green hydrogen plant at Port of Açu, with potential to produce 250,000 metric tons of green ammonia per year.
FFI Chief Executive Officer Julie Shuttleworth said the MOU also lays the groundwork for onsite solar power development projects, as well as offshore wind development projects in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo.
“FFI is assessing renewable energy and green hydrogen opportunities globally and will lead and drive the green energy and product industry as we transition away from fossil fuels,” Ms Shuttleworth said.
“I am excited to announce this MOU with Port of Açu. The opportunity to establish totally new and future large-scale industries will drive growth in the Brazilian economy.
“We expect the potential for new green industries at Port of Açu to substantially diversify, broaden and deepen Brazil’s already skilled workforce.”
Jose Firmo, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Açu, said: “It is exhilarating to collaborate with an international partner of this calibre on such a visionary project. This will be the first green hydrogen plant in the country and will place FFI and Açu at the forefront of clean energy production and the green industrialization of Brazil.”
