The emergence of green hydrogen represents a tectonic shift in the global energy transition. With the potential to decarbonize everything from heavy industry to shipping, the focus on hydrogen requires rethinking international policies, agreements and alliances. For Brazil, which has a robust renewable energy matrix, strategic alignments can define its leading role in the new energy geopolitics. But who should we ultimately join forces with?
What makes hydrogen a geopolitical element?
In recent years, hydrogen has gained the status of a “technological commodity.” That is, its power lies not only in its production, but in the control of technologies, patents, infrastructure and supply chains. The risk is that a mining-hydrogen dynamic will be dominated by a few, creating a new form of energy dependence. At the same time, countries are competing to secure access to critical minerals and the supply chain, rekindling concerns about energy sovereignty.
The Brazilian asset: a renewable matrix that is a competitive advantage
Brazil already operates one of the cleanest systems in the world. The IEA points out that around 80 % of the country's electricity comes from hydroelectric plants and 45 % of the energy matrix is renewable. With ample hydroelectric capacity available and significant growth in solar, currently with around 53.9 GW installed, Brazil has ideal inputs and conditions for the production of clean hydrogen. A current partnership between Eletrobras and Prumo aims to create a hub in the Port of Açu with solar and hydroelectric generation dedicated to the production of green H₂, validating this pilot potential.
The strengthened BRICS and the bloc's role in the energy transition
With the expansion since 2024, the BRICS group now has 11 members, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iran. These countries bring a unique combination of capabilities:
- China and India lead hydrogen research, development and innovation.
- South Africa provides access to platinum group metals (PGM), critical for electrolysis equipment.
- Brazil, in turn, offers large-scale clean generation and efficient port logistics.
This synergy positions the bloc’s expansion as a catalyst for innovation and competitiveness in the hydrogen production chain.
Possible partnerships: strategic complementarities
- China: A natural partner in R&D and financing, already essential for Brazilian energy projects. Cooperation with BRICS development banks enhances access to capital and technology.
- South Africa: Holds platinum reserves and experience in conditions similar to Brazil's tropical climate. This could generate a strengthened regional electrolysis chain.
- Middle East: With mature pilot projects and great investment capacity, these countries can support export hubs, port by port, adding value to Brazilian efforts.
This network of collaborations benefits Brazil, distributing risks and creating technological, logistical and financial synergies.
National initiatives that accelerate the race
The Brazilian agenda already shows clear signs of this strategy:
- Small hydroelectric plants and renewable plants specifically designed for the production of green hydrogen.
- Projects such as Vale + Green Energy Park, and Eletrobras + Suzano, demonstrate integration between the clean electricity matrix, mining and bioenergy.
8 Incentive policies, such as the PNH₂ and the use of pre-salt royalties to finance energy transition, reinforce the domestic base.
Strategic diplomacy: activation at COP30 and BRICS
Taking over the COP30 presidency in 2025 puts Brazil in a unique position to lead a discourse of “clean energy + social justice + development”. At the same time, integration within BRICS fuels the strengthening of a Global South bloc capable of influencing global standards for technology regulation and climate finance.
Brazil has plenty of clean energy, energy resilience and diplomatic capacity to become a protagonist in hydrogen geopolitics. However, this requires more than potential: it requires effective regulation, strategic financing and, above all, solid multilateral alignments with BRICS partners with complementary skills – especially China, South Africa and the UAE.
By combining its renewable energy matrix and focus on sustainability with technological and infrastructure alliances, Brazil is able to consolidate responsible leadership, integrating growth, social inclusion and global protagonism.
