An online event marked the beginning of joint activities with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE).

February brought important news for Espírito Santo. The Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE), Germany, held an online event to officially launch the H2-VERDE ES project — an initiative aimed at assessing Espírito Santo’s potential for green hydrogen production and advancing a sustainable energy transition.

The meeting, known as a “kick-off,” brought together representatives from Fapes, the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, Innovation and Professional Education (Secti), and researchers from Fraunhofer ISE, consolidating the first practical action under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Espírito Santo and the German institution for cooperation in research, development, and scientific infrastructure.

Fapes Director-General Rodrigo Varejão explained how the partnership was established and expressed expectations of achieving significant results in the future.

“We have just celebrated the launch of an unprecedented project in partnership with a world-leading applied research center in the field of energy transition, the Fraunhofer Institute of Germany. The partnership was officially formalized in November last year following an international mission carried out by Fapes and Secti in the European country. The collaboration provides for the exchange of expertise between researchers from Espírito Santo and Germany, enabling Espírito Santo, through the results of this joint effort, to become a reference in applied research in this field,” he said enthusiastically.

A Strategic Project for the Energy Future

With an expected duration of six months, the H2-VERDE ES project aims primarily to analyze pathways for decarbonizing Espírito Santo’s energy matrix and to assess the technical and economic feasibility of green hydrogen production in the state. The study will include integrated analyses of the local energy system, the regulatory environment, and the infrastructure conditions required for future projects in the sector.

According to the plan presented, the initiative will be developed across three major work streams:

WP1 – Analysis of Espírito Santo’s Current Energy System:
A detailed data survey on energy generation, consumption, and renewable energy potential in the state, forming the technical foundation for future projections.

WP2 – Studies on Future Developments:
Development of energy scenarios for 2040 and 2050, evaluation of public policies, incentives, and regulatory instruments, as well as identification of sectors with the greatest potential demand for green hydrogen.

WP3 – Mapping Green Hydrogen Potential:
Georeferenced analysis of areas suitable for solar and wind energy, identification of biomass sources, assessment of existing infrastructure, and development of pilot project concepts for implementation in Espírito Santo.

International Cooperation and Innovation

During the meeting, the activity timeline, working methodology, and responsibilities of each team were presented. Fraunhofer ISE will lead the project’s technical coordination, while Fapes and Secti will serve as strategic partners in providing regional information and data essential for building the analyses.

Expected outcomes include the preparation of a comprehensive diagnosis of Espírito Santo’s energy system, the development of maps and databases on renewable potential, and the proposal of concrete green hydrogen projects capable of attracting investment and strengthening the state economy.

Next Steps

As a follow-up to the kick-off meeting, Fraunhofer ISE will send a data collection template to Espírito Santo’s institutions to support the first stage of the study. A schedule of periodic technical meetings has also been established to monitor progress through the project’s completion, expected in June of this year.

The partnership with Fraunhofer reinforces Espírito Santo’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning the state as one of Brazil’s leading players in the renewable energy agenda and in the emerging green hydrogen economy.

Press Information:
Fapes Communications Office
Samantha Nepomuceno / Igor Gonçalves
+55 (27) 3636-1867 / +55 (27) 3636-1851
comunicacao@fapes.es.gov.br