Siemens Brazil, Cocal, and GIZ sign cooperation agreement to produce green hydrogen and synthetic fuels at a sugarcane-based ethanol plant.

In a significant step towards sustainable energy, Siemens Brazil, active in industrial technology, electrification and smart infrastructure; Cocal, a leader in renewable energy, biogas and biomethane production; and the Brazil-Germany Cooperation for Sustainable Development, through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, officially signed a cooperation agreement in February 2026 to support a study for the development of green hydrogen and synthetic fuel production in sugarcane-based ethanol plants. The project is part of the International Hydrogen Expansion Program (H2Uppp), an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The partnership will assess the technical and economic pre-feasibility of integrating the production of ethanol, green hydrogen, e-methanol and SAF in one of Cocal's plants in western São Paulo state. The research will also analyze options for supplying renewable electricity through a photovoltaic plant to generate the electricity needed for green hydrogen production and to meet other demands of a Power-to-X-Methanol for Aviation Fuel (MtJ) plant. In addition, an analysis of CO2 supply optimization throughout the year will be conducted to ensure the continuous operation of the PtX plant, guaranteeing stability in the supply of biogenic carbon. With the aim of establishing a "replicable model" for decarbonizing industrial operations for other companies and strengthening the development of a sustainable fuel market within a circular economy model, the initiative will conduct engineering integration studies between ethanol, green hydrogen, e-methanol, and SAF production plants, through the development of robust pre-feasibility studies and export logistics. Siemens Brazil and Cocal will provide technical, economic, and operational support. GIZ Brazil will oversee quality assurance and alignment with the objectives of the H2Uppp Program. :: Initial Planning Last month, representatives from Siemens, Cocal, and GIZ met in Presidente Prudente, in the interior of São Paulo, to discuss the scope and action plan of the project, as well as to detail the deliverables of the work packages, defining objectives, technical challenges, and next steps. A technical visit was also made to Cocal's Biogas Plant in Paraguaçu Paulista-SP. The activity aimed to present the technologies used and the infrastructure available for the gas production and treatment processes.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.