Black & Veatch will undertake feasibility studies central to the development of the world’s largest green hydrogen plant, the company said on March 18. When operational, Enegix Energy’s Base One facility in Ceará, Brazil, will produce more than 600 million kilograms of green hydrogen annually.

The highly ambitious new-build electrolysis facility will be powered entirely by renewable energy, initially 3.4 gigawatts of solar and onshore wind. Ceará’s potential for renewable energy generation, coupled with access to a strategic deep-sea port to facilitate the export of hydrogen, were key to the choice of the scoped 500-hectare site for the $5.4 billion investment.

Enegix Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Black & Veatch for the delivery of feasibility studies key to advancing the green hydrogen plant’s creation.

Hydrogen has the potential to reduce and replace reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation and storage, heating, transport, production of green chemicals and fertilizer. Across the globe Black & Veatch is engaged in developing, designing and constructing decarbonization solutions that fulfil these objectives.

“Black & Veatch’s team has the capability to assess all aspects of the project, with transferable skills that cover hydrogen production, handling, transportation, storage and distribution; following the highest standards for safety and efficiency. Black & Veatch is well-positioned to provide these type of services, contributing to the transition of fossil fuels to hydrogen,” Wesley Cooke, Enegix founder and CEO, said.

In January 2021, reflecting its ongoing commitment to decarbonization and further advancing efforts to create a more balanced energy portfolio, Black & Veatch joined the Hydrogen Council—a global initiative of leading energy, transport and industry organizations with a vision for hydrogen’s ability to foster the energy transition.

Base One will be located in Ceará, northeast Brazil, and will provide a strategic location for Enegix’s renewable hydrogen production with direct access to international markets via ocean freight. It is anticipated to take three to four years to build.