Solatio: GW-scale renewable ammonia in Brazil
By on March 25, 2025
3 GW grid connection approved in Brazil’s northeast
Click to enlarge. Graphical representation of Plant Solatio H2V – Parnaíba, a new GW-scale renewable ammonia project in Brazil. Source: Solatio.
Brazilian solar developer Solatio has received several key government approvals for its renewable hydrogen and ammonia project in the Parnaíba Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Piauí state, northeast Brazil. This includes approval from the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy for a 3 GW grid connection at the nearby 500 kV Parnaíba Substation, connecting the project to Brazil’s northeast grid, which derives over 90% of its power from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro.
Click to enlarge. Map of transmission connection & ammonia pipeline to Port Luís Correa, from which exports will occur. Source: Solatio.
Three consecutive, 1 GW electrolysis capacity phases will be developed, with the first to start operations in early 2029. Solatio intends to source renewable electricity from its own solar PV, grid-connected generating assets, enabling it to access reduced transmission fees as a “self-producer” of energy. Surplus energy generated during daylight hours will be exchanged for renewable energy from wind and hydro sources, contracted on a long-term basis and certified by Brazil’s electricity market operator, the Chamber of Electric Energy Commercialization (CCEE). Similar to other renewable electrolysis projects planned in Brazil, CCEE will ensure electricity inputs meet European certification standards for hydrogen production, allowing access to key global export markets. A “flat”, guaranteed power supply to the project will be overseen by Tradener, one of Brazil’s leading independent energy and gas traders.
This is a decisive step toward establishing Brazil as a global leader in green hydrogen and ammonia production. Our integrated model, which combines in-house renewable energy production with the expertise of our strategic partners in the green hydrogen sector, allows us to offer a highly competitive product, generate local value, and contribute to the global decarbonization effort.
Pedro Vaquer, CEO of Solatio, in his organisation’s official release, 12 Mar 2025
Solatio has recently been granted substantial tax exemptions on both capital expenditures and operational expenditures for the project. The total investment for the project is estimated at $4.7 billion, with plans to take FID in the first half of this year.