Port of Açu Doubles Down on Green Ammonia with Sempen Partnership
Brazil’s Port of Açu is turbocharging its green energy ambitions, inking a land reservation deal with renewable fuels producer Sempen to build a cutting-edge green ammonia plant. Nestled in the port’s sprawling industrial complex in Rio de Janeiro, this project is set to churn out a staggering 1 million tons of green ammonia annually—a bold move that positions Açu as a linchpin in the global energy transition.
Sempen’s green ammonia facility will anchor Açu’s low-carbon hydrogen hub, a sprawling ecosystem designed to catalyze sustainable energy innovation. With a final investment decision (FID) slated for 2028 and production kicking off in 2030, this partnership is a long-term play in the race to decarbonize heavy industries. “This collaboration is a game-changer for Brazil’s green energy landscape,” said Juan Pablo Freijo, Sempen’s CEO. “We’re not just building a plant; we’re crafting a blueprint for a sustainable future.”
Açu’s Hydrogen Hub: The Epicenter of Brazil’s Green Revolution
Port of Açu isn’t just dipping its toes into the green energy pool—it’s diving in headfirst. Already home to a 1 million m² hydrogen hub, the port is expanding its footprint with an additional 2 million m² dedicated to low-carbon projects. “We’re not just a port; we’re a hub for innovation,” said Eugenio Figueiredo, CEO of Port of Açu. “Sempen’s project is a testament to our commitment to pioneering sustainable energy solutions.”
This isn’t Açu’s first rodeo in the green energy arena. The port has already partnered with HIF Global for e-methanol production and joined forces with Norway’s Fuella and London-based Yamna for ammonia projects. These collaborations are part of a broader strategy to create an integrated platform for the low-carbon economy, backed by a Preliminary License from the Rio de Janeiro Government granted earlier this year.
Brazil’s Green Energy Potential: A Global Powerhouse in the Making
Brazil is poised to become a sustainability juggernaut, leveraging its vast renewable energy resources to lead the global energy transition. According to McKinsey & Company, the country has the potential to dominate the sustainable fuel market, thanks to its abundance of wind, solar, and hydropower. “Brazil could be the world’s largest sustainable fuel producer,” the firm noted, highlighting the nation’s unique position in the fight against climate change.
However, the road to sustainability isn’t without its bumps. Brazil recently opposed a proposed carbon levy on shipping, arguing that it could disproportionately impact developing nations and exacerbate global inequalities. As the country prepares to host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change later this year, its stance on such policies will be under intense scrutiny.
For now, though, the focus remains on projects like Sempen’s green ammonia plant—a beacon of innovation in a world hungry for sustainable solutions. With Açu leading the charge, Brazil is well on its way to becoming a green energy powerhouse.
