Wind and solar-based green hydrogen potential in Brazil: Production, costs, and CO2 mitigations

This study explores Brazil's potential for green hydrogen production using abundant wind and solar resources, with a focus on both the economic viability and CO 2 mitigation. By leveraging data from the Wind and Solar Energy Atlases, Python-based processing techniques, and geospatial analysis in QGIS, thematic maps were created to identify regions optimal for green hydrogen generation. The analysis integrated wind turbines, solar modules, and electrolyzers to convert renewable energy into hydrogen, considering critical weather data such as solar radiation, wind speed, and ambient temperature across Brazil's 26 states and the Federal District. Furthermore, capital investment costs, as well as operational and maintenance expenses, were incorporated into the model. The results reveal that the Northeast and Central regions of Brazil exhibit the highest potential for green hydrogen production, with the lowest levelized cost of hydrogen observed in Bahia. Solar-based hydrogen production achieves average values of 45.05 kg/h, with a levelized cost between 2.33 and 3.74 $/kg. Wind-based production is more variable, reaching up to 56.46 kg/h, with a levelized cost ranging from 3.44 to 71.60 $/kg. Green hydrogen from renewable sources also presents a significant opportunity for CO2 mitigation, reinforcing Brazil's potential to contribute to global climate goals while fostering sustainable energy practices. These findings emphasize Brazil's unique advantage in producing cost-effective green hydrogen, capitalizing on its vast renewable energy resources. • Development of a hydrogen production atlas using QGIS and Brazilian energy atlases. • Evaluation of hydrogen production based on wind and solar energy individually. • Significant potential for hydrogen production observed in Brazil based on both wind and solar resources. • H2V production achieves minimum LCOH of 2.35 $/kg with solar-based system, and 3.44 $/kg with wind-based systems. • Study supports Brazil's role in the global green hydrogen economy.