Petrobras and Finep launch R$150 million call for national electrolyzer development
- R$150 million non-reimbursable fund for the project, split R$75 million from Finep and R$75 million from Petrobras, plus matching funds from beneficiaries.
- Call requires minimum 50% national content and allows work based on known technologies only if measurable technological advancement is demonstrated.
- Project must be a structuring network involving at least three companies and at least one ICT, covering basic engineering through a pre-commercial prototype.
- Petrobras plans US$4 billion for R&D in its 2026–30 business plan; Finep committed over R$12.5 billion to green-transition financing for 2023–25.
Overview
Petrobras and Finep launched a national call for proposals to develop an industrial-scale electrolyzer that produces low-carbon hydrogen by electrolysis. The announcement highlighted that few domestic manufacturers exist and that no national producer currently makes the electrolyzer's core component, the stack, where water is converted to hydrogen.
Funding and eligibility
The call offers R$150 million in non-reimbursable resources—R$75 million from Finep and R$75 million from Petrobras—plus matching funds from beneficiary companies. Proposals must deliver at least 50% national content; projects may build on existing technologies only if they yield measurable technological advancement.
Project scope and structure
The initiative targets a structuring project built as a network of partners that includes at least three companies and at least one information and communication technology (ICT) organisation. Development must span from basic engineering to a pre-commercial prototype.
Strategic context
The measure is presented as part of broader R&D and green-transition commitments: Petrobras allocates US$4 billion for R&D in its 2026–30 plan, while Finep has expanded financing for sustainable technologies, exceeding R$12.5 billion for 2023–25.
Source: Petrobras
