The town of Uberaba, in the Triângulo Mineiro region, is taking a decisive step towards energy transition em Minas Gerais, according to an article published by State of Minas this Sunday (2). Mayor Elisa Araújo He highlighted during an interview that the municipality wants to become a national benchmark in the production of green hydrogen, biomethane and in practices aimed at sustainability process, with the goal of decarbonizing agribusiness and generating quality jobs.
Uberaba and Minas Gerais: a strategic alliance for energy transition.
According to the manager, Uberaba has already attracted one of the largest investments in clean energy in the country, with a forecast of $ 7,8 billion intended for the installation of a green hydrogen and ammonia industrial plant. The project promises to generate more than one thousand direct jobs, strengthening the local economy and positioning the municipality as a key player in Minas Gerais’ new energy matrix.
Uberaba’s sustainable development plan is aligned with the environmental goals of Minas Gerais, which seeks to increase the share of clean energy in the state’s energy matrix and become a national benchmark in energy innovation.
The government of Minas Gerais has been signing agreements with national and foreign companies to implementation of green hydrogen and biofuel projects, with Uberaba emerging as one of the main centers of this movement.
With an industrial base that exceeds 200 companies installed, Uberaba already has the adequate infrastructure to receive large-scale investments.In addition to housing universities and research centers that contribute to technological advancement in the region.
Green hydrogen drives the energy transition in Uberaba.
O green hydrogen It is considered the fuel of the future because it is obtained from the electrolysis of water using renewable energy, without emitting carbon dioxide. This technology is essential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the energy transition.
According to the Minas Gerais government, the plant planned for Uberaba will have two phases: a pilot unit until 2027, with an initial capacity of 20 megawatts, and a fully equipped commercial plant up to 2030with a capacity greater than 820 megawattsThe total investment amounts to $ 7,8 billion, establishing itself as one of the largest hydrogen projects in the country.
In addition to producing hydrogen, the plant will manufacture green ammonia, used in the chemical industry and in agribusinessThis reinforces the municipality’s productive vocation. This integration between clean energy and agribusiness will allow for a significant reduction in the sector’s carbon emissions.
Uberaba will be an example of how the interior of the country can lead energy innovation in Brazil.“The project promises not only to reduce emissions, but also to boost the regional economy with new opportunities in technology, engineering, maintenance, and transportation,” stated the mayor.
Sustainability and economic development: pillars of the new energy model.
A sustainability process This is the central axis of the public policy that Uberaba has been adopting. The objective is to balance economic growth and environmental preservation. generating jobs and improving the quality of life for the population.
Mayor Elisa Araújo emphasized that Sustainability is no longer just an environmental goal, but an economic strategy to guarantee the future of the city.The municipality seeks to attract companies committed to green practices and that promote technological innovation, reducing dependence on fossil resources.
Furthermore, the green hydrogen project will stimulate complementary production chains, such as industrial maintenance, metallurgy, fine chemicals, and specialized services. With this, The municipality is becoming an attractive hub for businesses. who wish to invest in clean technology and the circular economy.
Another essential pillar of Uberaba’s plan is… biomethane, a renewable fuel obtained through the decomposition of organic and agricultural waste. The production of this gas represents An opportunity to reduce pollution and transform waste into clean energy.
The city is moving forward with the implementation of a regional gas pipeline, which will connect Uberaba, Uberlândia and Araxá, enabling the transport of biomethane and strengthening the energy infrastructure of the Triângulo Mineiro region. The project also benefits agribusiness, the main economic engine of the region, by offering a cheaper and more sustainable energy source.
With the use of biomethane, it will be possible to gradually replace natural gas of fossil origin. reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissionsThis initiative contributes directly to the commitments of Minas Gerais to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal aligned with the Paris Agreement.
According to data from the Brazilian Biogas and Biomethane Association (ABiogás)Brazil has the potential to produce up to 120 million cubic meters per day Biomethane production is sufficient to replace approximately 70% of the national diesel consumption. Uberaba, with its strong agro-industrial base, is positioned to take advantage of this expanding market.
Challenges, opportunities, and next steps for Uberaba
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding green hydrogen Regarding biomethane, projects still face significant challenges. The main one is… production cost, which remains higher than that of fossil fuels. Economic viability depends on tax incentives, technological advances, and production scale.
Another critical point is the need for adequate infrastructureTo consolidate itself as a clean energy hub, Uberaba needs to expand its electrical capacity, invest in storage, and improve the logistics of transporting supplies and products.
Regulation is also an obstacle. Brazil is still in the process of defining the legal framework for green hydrogen and to expand specific regulations for biomethane. These measures are fundamental to ensuring legal certainty for investors and accelerating the implementation of projects.
Despite the challenges, experts and authorities see more opportunities than risks. The growing global pressure for decarbonization and energy transition policies are creating opportunities for medium-sized cities, such as Uberaba, to gain national and international relevance.
Uberaba and the future of Brazilian energy.
The initiative of Uberaba represents a profound transformation in the energy landscape of Minas Gerais and from Brazil. By betting on green hydrogen, biomethane and sustainability processThe municipality demonstrates that it is possible to align economic progress, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
The billion-dollar investment, coupled with job creation and partnerships with research institutions, Transforming Uberaba into a model smart city committed to the future.This structural change positions the region as a benchmark in energy transition, showing that sustainable development can be led in a decentralized manner.
More than a local project, the movement in Uberaba reflects a global trend: Strengthening regional hubs capable of generating clean energy, reducing environmental impacts, and boosting technology-based economies.
With strategic vision, public engagement, and private investment, Uberaba emerges as a symbol of the energy transition in Minas Gerais. — and as an example that Brazil’s sustainable future can be born in the interior.
