Brazil's Copel invites proposals for biomass, bio-waste hydrogen R&D

Brazilian power utility Companhia Paranaense de Energia (BVMF:CPLE6), better known as Copel, has launched a call to sponsor research and development (R&D) projects on new technologies for the production and handling of low-carbon hydrogen obtained from biomass, biogas and other organic waste streams.

Selected projects will be granted up to BRL 7.6 million (USD 1.46m/EUR 1.37m), the company said.

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The proposals must explore at least one of the following four themes: development of methodology for low-carbon hydrogen production, innovative solutions for the logistics and hydrogen distribution, hydrogen storage solutions and the search for solutions for new applications and uses of low-carbon hydrogen.

Deadline to submit proposals is set for February 28. Interested parties can learn more about the opportunity on Copel’s website by following this link: https://copel0.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/documentos-site-copel/EaeLfrj22vRJg-Sghv1kSbMB8ByDlFQk3nIildUEAQlIvw?e=NJcvB6

Copel said that it is interested in low-carbon renewable hydrogen and wants to “dominate this technology”. According to the company, costs of biogas reforming are lower compared to electrolysis and the process offers greater efficiency. Copel also highlighted the agricultural potential of its home state of Parana as the reason for exploring hydrogen production from biomass and biogas.