Brazil to Pioneer the World's First Ethanol Hydrogen Project

07 Oct, 2023

Brazil to Pioneer the World's First Ethanol Hydrogen Project

In an innovative and eco-conscious endeavor, the University of São Paulo (USP) is taking the lead in pioneering a groundbreaking project to produce ethanol-based green hydrogen. To conduct this revolutionary experiment, they have enlisted the help of the Toyota Mirai, an electric vehicle renowned for its nearly silent operation, impressive 600-kilometer range on a single charge, and an exhaust that emits nothing but water vapor.

The Toyota Mirai, aptly named "Mirai," which means "future" in Japanese, was chosen not for its name but for its unique feature of being equipped with fuel cells that can efficiently convert hydrogen into electricity. Currently, the vehicle is powered by conventional hydrogen, but the exciting part of this project lies in its future plans.

While the Mirai currently runs on standard hydrogen, it is set to transition to an ethanol-based fuel in mid-2024. This transition will occur once the pilot plant, currently under construction, becomes operational and can produce the first kilograms of this sustainable fuel. This pioneering fuel is aptly referred to as "green hydrogen" because it's derived from renewable sources, in contrast to its conventional counterpart, which originates primarily from fossil fuels, particularly natural gas.

The conventional method of green hydrogen production involves breaking down water molecules using solar or wind energy, providing an eco-friendly alternative. The USP pilot project, however, aims to innovate by utilizing ethanol as a sustainable source for green hydrogen production.

The significance of green hydrogen extends beyond its eco-friendly credentials. It plays a pivotal role in the global effort to combat climate change by decarbonizing various sectors, including transportation, steel production, the chemical industry, and even electricity generation.

Nonetheless, the logistics of transporting green hydrogen remain a challenge. Its storage demands low temperatures and high pressure, making it a complex and expensive undertaking. Despite these challenges, the pursuit of green hydrogen continues to gain momentum, offering hope for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. The USP's pioneering project, in collaboration with the Toyota Mirai, is a significant step toward realizing this vision.