Jepri Group has inked a memorandum of understanding with the State Government for the development of a green hydrogen plant in the Pecém Industrial and Port Complex (CIPP), situated in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza.

The ambitious goal of the Jepri Group is to produce approximately 1,200,000 tons/year of green hydrogen, positioning itself as a major player in the global green energy market. The envisioned project entails a substantial investment of €3.3 billion (R$ 17 billion) and is anticipated to generate 1,280 jobs during the construction phase and 178 skilled jobs in the operational phase.

Cesar Ruiz Muñoz, the CEO of the Jepri Group, emphasized the strategic choice of Ceará for this transformative initiative, stating, “Ceará and the Port of Pecém meet the expectation to be able to achieve a competitive price, to have a competitive product on a global scale.” The project’s timeline envisions commencing construction in 2025, with green hydrogen production slated for the last quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.

The signing of 35 memorandums and four pre-contracts with companies by the State Government further underscores the commitment to the development of the CIPP. Projections indicate investments of approximately USD 17.9 billion and the creation of around 80 thousand jobs by 2030. The Pecém hub is estimated to produce one million tons of green hydrogen by 2030, accompanied by a robust 6 GW of energy.

Elmano de Freitas, a key figure in the State Government, highlighted the strategic importance of attracting companies to Ceará to consolidate its role in the energy matrix transition process. With a natural abundance of wind and solar energy potential, coupled with a burgeoning presence in the green hydrogen market, Ceará aims not only for economic development but also sustainable practices that create employment opportunities.

As the Jepri Group’s green hydrogen project takes shape, it signifies a transformative leap toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape for Ceará, aligning with global initiatives for a greener future.