Study identifies residual biomass as a strategic driver for hydrogen and regional development in Bahia
Transforming agricultural, forestry, urban, and industrial waste into low-carbon hydrogen could expand energy transition opportunities in Bahia, reconciling decarbonization, technological innovation, and socioeconomic development. A study presented during the 2nd IBEM in Salvador analyzes the regional potential of residual biomass in the state and its complementarity with solar and wind energy sources, highlighting pathways to diversify the energy matrix, strengthen local supply chains, and generate jobs and income in the state’s interior.
From the sugarcane and ethanol industry to palm oil and cassava cultivation, waste can drive a new bioeconomy.
Using a qualitative and exploratory approach—based on document review, literature research, and geospatial analysis—the study integrates data from the *Atlas H₂V Bahia* (2023) and a technical note from the EPE (2025) to identify biomass sources and assess their production potential across Bahia’s macro-regions. Technological pathways considered include biomass gasification and the reforming of biomethane and ethanol—processes that can utilize renewable raw materials and, when integrated with clean electricity sources, help reduce carbon emissions.
The sugarcane and ethanol sector stands out due to its production scale and the technological advancements associated with ethanol reforming, while waste from palm oil and cassava cultivation offers opportunities to decentralize energy production and stimulate local economies. The *Recôncavo Baiano* region is also identified as a strategic area for the development of these supply chains. Currently in a theoretical and analytical phase, the study provides a foundation for future experimental research and public policies aligned with the State Plan for the Green Hydrogen Economy (PLEH₂V), with potential applications in the chemical industry, the production of low-carbon fertilizers, and the transport sector. By transforming materials that would otherwise be discarded into energy resources, this proposal aligns the bioeconomy with the principles of a just energy transition, linking competitiveness and waste utilization with the reduction of regional inequalities.
