Maranhão strengthens ties with Sweden to install hydrogen plant valued at US$ 3 billion

The government of Maranhão took another decisive step towards consolidating its leading role in the Brazilian energy transition. On Thursday (5), Governor Carlos Brandão visited the headquarters of the Swedish company Stegra, in Stockholm, to deepen negotiations on the implementation of a green hydrogen and HBI (hot briquetted iron) plant in the state. The initiative, which has the support of the Brazilian mining company Vale, represents an estimated investment of US$ 3 billion and signals a new level of innovation and sustainability in the steel production chain.

Strategic alliance between Brazil and Sweden focused on green development

The institutional mission to Europe, accompanied by representatives of the government of Maranhão and Vale, aimed to reinforce Maranhão's interest in the project, which is already in the feasibility study phase by Stegra. The project could be installed near the Port of Itaqui, in São Luís, and the Export Processing Zone (ZPE) of Bacabeira, locations already visited by the Swedish company and considered strategic due to their logistics and infrastructure.

Brazil's ambassador to Sweden, Maria Edileuza Fontinelle Reis, also attended the meeting and highlighted the project's alignment with Brazil's environmental commitments in the context of COP30, which will be hosted in Belém, Pará. In addition to the positive climate impact, the plant could generate around 500 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs, combining regional economic development with environmental responsibility. The initiative marks a key moment for Maranhão, which is positioning itself as an emerging hub of the new global green economy.