MCTI aligns strategies with SisH2 coordinators to boost hydrogen economy in Brazil

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) held the first coordination meeting of the Brazilian Hydrogen Laboratory System (SisH2). Held virtually, the meeting brought together representatives of the 12 laboratories already formally integrated into the system — out of a total of 13 selected through a public call by the CNPq — to align guidelines and share advances in the field of the hydrogen economy.

The initiative, part of the Brazilian Hydrogen Initiative (IBH2), had an initial investment of R$33 million from the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT), and is part of the 2023-2025 Triennial Plan of the National Hydrogen Program (PNH2).

In addition to the alignment between the laboratories, the meeting announced the future selection of an integrating laboratory — which will be selected from among those already participating — and the release of an additional R$8 million from the FNDCT to hire four new research centers. The goal is to advance in topics such as hydrogen production from renewable sources, storage, safety, transportation and applications in the electricity, transportation and steel sectors.

Technical excellence and articulation with the productive sector

Among the participating laboratories, the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN), a unit of the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), stands out. For researcher Fábio Fonseca, joining SisH2 represents a seal of technical excellence with strong potential for articulation with the industry.

At the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), the initiative is led by researchers Carlos Alberto Martínez Huitle and Amanda Gondim. The project integrates the Laboratories of Environmental and Applied Electrochemistry (LEAA) and Environmental Analysis, Primary Processing and Biofuels (LABPROBIO-NUPPRAR), with a focus on expanding the infrastructure for the development of sustainable solutions with hydrogen.

SisH2, created by Ordinance 7.679/2023, is one of the main instruments of the federal government to structure the scientific and technological base necessary for the energy transition. By connecting institutions of excellence and fostering strategic partnerships, the system consolidates Brazil as a relevant player in the global race for decarbonization.