A South American country has just achieved a milestone that seemed distant just a few years ago: the launch of the first ship in South America powered entirely by green hydrogen, an innovation that could redefine river navigation on the continent.
The project was developed by Itaipú Binacional, through its innovation center, and represents not only a technological advance, but also a tangible gesture of applied sustainability. The ship was presented on the Itaipú reservoir, on the border between Brazil and Paraguay, and will make its official debut during COP30, which will be held in Belém, in the heart of the Amazon.
Clean Technology for Healthier Rivers
The vessel will not be merely symbolic: it will be used to collect solid waste on the inhabited islands of the river, contributing to the cleaning of the waters and improving the quality of life of riverside communities. An example of how energy innovation can be integrated with environmental and social responsibility.
The ship measures 9.5 meters in length and 3 meters in beam, is built of recyclable aluminum, and can carry up to nine tons. The ship’s propulsion system is based on generating energy from green hydrogen, obtained through electrolysis powered by renewable sources.
South America has its first ship powered by green hydrogen.
In other words, it sails without emitting polluting gases, without smoke or fuel odor. It is quiet, clean, and efficient, almost a metaphor for the future we need.
Green Hydrogen: Engine of the Energy Transition
This breakthrough marks a turning point in the race for clean energies in South America. With an abundance of natural resources, the region has the potential to lead the energy transition, although so far the lack of infrastructure, investment, and political will had slowed down the process. With this step, Brazil demonstrates that the green revolution can start from the water.
Green hydrogen is key for the environment because it allows:
- Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), mitigating climate change
- Improving air quality, by not releasing CO₂ or pollutants
- Decarbonizing intensive industries such as steel and cement
- Storing renewable energy from intermittent sources like solar and wind
- Boosting sustainable transport, with zero-emission vehicles
- Creating carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, such as liquid or gaseous methane
- Exporting clean energy, facilitating a global energy transition
These types of vessels can become strategic tools for environmental management, decarbonization of river transport, and integration of isolated communities. With clear regulations and institutional support, green hydrogen can be the fuel of the future, and South America, its launch platform.
