As part of this cooperation, the partners intend to work together on analyzing, adapting, and modernizing the research infrastructure at the R&D center Centro de Pesquisa, Inovação e Desenvolvimento (CPID). The expertise of scientific and technical personnel in the areas of energy transition and decarbonization development of will be strengthened through exchange programs, technical training, internships and joint workshops. The collaboration also includes multidisciplinary R&D activities focused on energy systems analysis, techno-economic assessment, and the integration of innovative technologies along the value chains for renewable energy, hydrogen, and storage solutions. In addition, a long-term strategic roadmap for CPID is being developed, which includes scenario analyses and energy system modeling for the state of Espírito Santo, as well as the assessment of political and market conditions to support the regional energy transition.

Another important aspect of the cooperation is knowledge exchange and capacity building. To this end, bilateral seminars, expert exchanges, and public activities will be organized. The partners will also jointly identify and apply for national and international research funding to support the goals of the energy transition and decarbonization in Espírito Santo.

Analysis of the status quo as a starting point

The first stage of collaboration between the research institutes was launched in February with a joint research project: The study »VERDE-H2 ES - Valorization of Renewable Energy & Development of Green Hydrogen in Espírito Santo« will serve as a starting point for further close cooperation between the institutions and as a basis for follow-up studies and projects. The project provides a comprehensive assessment of Espírito Santo’s current energy system across electricity, heating, cooling, mobility, and fuel production. Building on this analysis, future energy system targets and scenarios for 2040 and 2050 are developed in close collaboration with FAPES. A core focus is the evaluation of Espírito Santo’s potential for large-scale renewable hydrogen and derivative production using advanced GIS-based analyses.
The project identifies optimal production hubs and conceptual supply chains to support a sustainable and resilient future energy system. “The project is a strategic step for Espírito Santo to plan its future energy system, enhance competitiveness, and position the state as a key player in renewable energy and green hydrogen”, explains Christoph Hank, group leader Hydrogen Systems Analysis at Fraunhofer ISE.

About the partners

The Espirito Santo Research and Innovation State Funding Agency (FAPES) is a public foundation linked to the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Professional Education of the Government of the State of Espírito Santo. The mission of FAPES is to foster scientific research, technological development, and innovation, in alignment with state and federal public policies related to science, technology, and innovation.

The State Secretariat for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Professional Education of Espírito Santo (SECTI) is part of the direct administration of the Government of the State of Espírito Santo. It is responsible for formulating, coordinating, and implementing state public policies in the areas of science, technology, innovation, and professional education. SECTI seeks to promote integration among government, academia, the productive sector, and civil society, fostering scientific research, technological development to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the State.