Developing a green hydrogen economy in Brazil

: obstacles and enablers

Abstract

This dissertation aims to identify the main obstacles and enabling strategies for the development of a green hydrogen (GH2) economy in Brazil. To this end, this case study encompasses an analysis of qualitative data from a series of expert interviews and relevant literature, through the lens of five theoretical propositions about barriers to the transition to GH2, grounded in the multi-level perspective on socio-technical systems. It was found that economic and institutional barriers are the most prevalent, as numerous factors inhibit financial investment decisions and an insufficient regulatory framework perpetuates uncertainty in the market. Additionally, required resources and infrastructure are not yet sufficiently available, and insufficient collaboration between diverse stakeholders makes coordination for the development of this incipient market challenging. Based on the discussion of identified barriers and enabling strategies, nine practical strategic approaches for the development of the Brazilian GH2 sector are proposed, primarily addressing approaches to increase economic viability and create a favorable regulatory environment. This case analysis is limited by the scarcity of applicable data, the non-comprehensive range of interviewed experts and the fact that developments in GH2 are rapid and the accuracy and relevance of the study’s findings may therefore be subjected to changes. Among the first to use the specific theoretical framework in connection to GH2, this research was able to show that the multi-level perspective is an adequate framework to analyze transitions toward GH2, its obstacles and enabling strategies in specific national contexts.

Date of Award	19 Oct 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	José António Puppim de Oliveira (Supervisor)