Ports are strategic players in the energy transition, serving as platforms for energy generation, transportation, and transformation. To leverage this position, ports require strategic land use planning tailored to their profiles to maximize potential and address challenges.
Porto do Açu is uniquely positioned to lead low-carbon development in Brazil’s port sector. To boost Açu as a Clean Energy Marine Hub, the Port Masterplan was reviewed under the leadership of Port Administration. This strategic review incorporates climate change opportunities and challenges with a long-term view and integrates port’s strategic planning, enhancing synergies and promoting industrial symbiosis, ensuring spatial compatibility for low-carbon industries within port-industry complex.
Low-carbon hydrogen, a key energy vector for industrial transition, plays a central role in this initiative. The Low-Carbon Hydrogen and Derivatives Hub was developed to ensure environmental and social viability for a 1 million square kilometer and 3.7GW capacity cluster, integrated into port infrastructure and industrial areas.
During project development, Porto do Açu engaged with national and international stakeholders, including industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and local communities. Their insights and feedback were incorporated into the project design, enhancing acceptance and sustainability and its compatibility with Brazilian and local energy transition’s plans and policies.
Following a thorough evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessment by Brazilian authorities and public consultation, Brazil’s first environmental permit for a low-carbon industrial cluster was issued. This comprehensive planning and permitting process empowers Porto do Açu to support safe and sustainable development in the future industry, laying a solid foundation for future projects over the decades to come.
Through this innovative and sustainable masterplanning and stakeholder engagement, Porto do Açu sets a model for future industrial clusters in ports, driving regional development, job creation, and long-term positive impacts across entire value chain, contributing to a more just and inclusive energy transition.