Brazil's energy transition at the heart of Energy Observer's stopover in Fortaleza
by Energy Observer 18 Nov 2023 08:36 PST
16-24 November 2023
Energy Observer's stopover in Fortaleza © Energy Observer Productions - Agathe Roullin
The first vessel powered by renewable energies and hydrogen inaugurates her Brazilian stopover in Fortaleza on November 16, in the presence of local authorities and partners, for the 83rd stop of her round-the-world Odyssey.
After 23 days of sailing from Walvis Bay in Namibia and 3,385 nautical miles, the catamaran docked in Fortaleza, the capital of Ceàra. The region is highly favorable to the development of wind energy, and the country's northeast is home to the country's best wind resources, with 80% of the national wind farms. Brazil's energy sector is one of the most diversified and and less carbon intensive in the world. It's a perfect place to study and encounter, and a source of inspiration for Energy Observer's crew during this ten-day stopover.
For Victorien Erussard, President, captain and founder of Energy Observer: "As a passionate lover of the sea, I dream of decarbonizing the maritime sector. Our collaboration with Qair, as well as key partners like Air Liquide, Toyota, and Accor, all present at this event, is fundamental in realizing this vision. Each brings a unique and valuable expertise, contributing to a collective momentum towards sustainability. Hydrogen is essential for decarbonizing industry and mobility, and our presence here in Fortaleza is highly symbolic. Thanks to the commitment and innovation of all our partners, especially Qair in harnessing wind and solar energy, the conditions are optimal for generating low-cost green electrons. This enables the production of hydrogen at a competitive price, challenging the dominance of fossil fuels. Together, we are taking a crucial step in our quest for a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future."
Qair, an independent renewable energy company and official partner of Energy Observer, is hosting this stopover with the support of the Government of the State of Ceará, the Fortaleza City Hall, and the Ceará-based company CSI. Other long-standing Energy Observer partners are also involved, including the Accor group, Air Liquide, and Toyota, which will set up an exhibition including hybrid, electric and hydrogen vehicles.
"We are very proud of being one of Energy Observer partners and very supportive with the other partners of this human, technological and maritime innovative odyssey. As a renewable energy company, Qair is committed to deliver innovative clean energy solutions, and preserve the environment in which we operate. Energy Observer thus offers us an access to a live laboratory for the energy transition, testing technologies that are and will be deployed on larger scales, in particular in Brazil, thanks to the expertise and commitment of Qair Brasil" Louis Blanchard CEO of Qair.
Qair's Experience exhibition will take place alongside the Qair Bus and the laboratory vessel, with immersive content on Energy Observer's Odyssey, the energy transition and the study of marine environments. It will be powered by two EODev's electro-hydrogen generators and low-carbon hydrogen supplied by Air Liquide.
Institutions such as the French Embassy in Brazil, the French Consulate in Recife, and numerous schools and universities will gather around the vessel's arrival with about 500 students expected. H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Lenain, French Ambassador to Brazil, underlines the significance of the event in the context of Franco-Brazilian friendship and their shared ambition for the environment:
"As a true laboratory for ecological transition, Energy Observer demonstrates the full extent of French know-how in clean, innovative technologies. Like Energy Observer, the French Embassy in Brazil contributes to raising awareness of environmental protection through several programs such as FranceEcoLab and LabJovens.
There is also long-standing cooperation between Brazilian and French research institutes, such as Ifremer and IRD, leading to regular exchanges and joint work between researchers. At a time when Brazil will be hosting COP30 in 2025, and France will be hosting the next United Nations Conference on the Oceans, our two countries are asserting their ambitions in favor of environmental protection. This issue is central to the renewed cooperation between France and Brazil."
An audiovisual production focusing on wind power and the fuels of the future
Brazil's energy sector is one of South America's most diversified and promising. Brazil accounts for almost 7% of the world's renewable energy production and is highly known for its clean electricity mix, based mainly on hydroelectricity as a primary source of power. The country has long been a leader in hydroelectric and biofuel technologies.
Brazil is the 2nd largest producer of biofuels after the United States and a global player in the ethanol industry. It is at the forefront of innovation in new-generation biofuels derived from agricultural waste and is essential to sustainable aviation fuel manufacture. To further diversify its energy mix and increase its share of renewable energies, the country is now focusing on wind and solar power, which are gaining ground and attracting increased investment.
Energy Observer's production team met with energy experts and players involved in the country's energy future. Our team visited the São Paulo region, where some 90% of Brazil's ethanol is produced by an innovative, sustainable industry, including the world's very first second-generation ethanol production site made from bagasse, the fibrous residue of sugarcane. In Fortaleza, a region with exceptional wind power potential, the production team planned to focus on the sector's sustainability challenges. Original videos on biofuels, ethanol, and sustainable wind power will be broadcast on Energy Observer's social media during the stopover and free of access to the public.
Mobilizing actors in the energy transition
The stopover program will involve key players in the energy, hydrogen, mobility, and hospitality industries of tomorrow, as well as sustainable development, through visits and conferences.
In addition to Energy Observer's main partners, many local industrials, energy players, and organizations, such as Sustainable Ocean Alliance, will be involved.
"Increasingly, our hotels are striving to save energy and reduce operating costs and this partnership opens privileged access to new technologies. In tune with our Group's open mindset, this illustrates the driving force of collaboration and represents a significant step for accelerating the energy transition in hospitality needed to build the Hotel of the Future." - Antonietta Varlese, SVP of Communication and Sustainability Accor Americas in the Premium, Midscale & Economy division.
"It is an honor for Air Liquide to be Energy Observer's main partner and support this scientific adventure towards a more sustainable future. We are very proud to work collaboratively towards the same objective: exploring concrete solutions and developing technologies to accelerate the energy transition. When we share our knowledge, we can join Energy Observer's solutions and discoveries in developing innovations for the most diverse sectors and applications with the aim of building the future we want for everyone in the next generation to come." - Lucas Rodriguez Rosas, Director of Energy Transition at Air Liquide for Latin America.
"Hydrogen plays a crucial role as a fuel in our efforts to lower CO2 emissions, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality. We are pioneers in technologies that optimize the energy matrix and leaders in electrification in the country with hybrid-flex vehicles. Collaborating with partners across industry borders, we not only strive to reduce CO2 emissions and implement public hydrogen testing, but also shape a cleaner environment and more efficient future, where innovation aligns with environmental responsibility." - Roberto Matarazzo Braun, director of Communication Brazil, president of the Toyota Foundation of Brazil, and spokesperson for the company's ESG area.
Practical information
Dates: November 16 to 24
Docking address: Marina Park Hotel, Fortaleza: Av. Pres. Castelo Branco, 400 - Moura Brasil, Fortaleza - CE, 60312-060, Brazil
*Almost half of Brazil's primary energy demand is met by renewable energies, notably hydroelectric, bioenergy, wind, and solar power, which make up around 80% of its electricity mix, making its energy sector one of the most diversified and least carbon-intensive on earth.
**The vessel will be visible but cannot be visited by the general public.