The World Bank Board of Directors approved a new operation to support the green H₂ strategy of Companhia de Desenvolvimento do Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém (Pecém Industrial and Port Complex Company – CIPP) and the Government of Ceará. By enabling clean H₂ production in the Complex of Pecém, this initiative places the Brazilian state at the forefront of the global clean energy transition, while also promoting jobs, inclusion, and long-term climate resilience.

Located in the state of Ceará, in Northeastern Brazil, CIPP is a major industrial and logistics hub and a leading location for the development of a H₂ hub in the country. It is strategically positioned to drive an energy transition, supported by both the State and Federal Government.

The project finances critical infrastructure to support private investment in clean H₂ and derivatives production and draws on global best practices and incorporates lessons from World Bank-supported H₂ initiatives in Chile and India. It will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and advancing Brazil’s and the region's clean energy goals and create enabling conditions for local and national stakeholders associated to Brazil's energy sector, including private sector investors, local industry, and the wider community through economic opportunities and climate benefits.

“This support from the World Bank represents a historic milestone for the Pecém Complex and for Ceará. We are making concrete progress in consolidating the green H₂ hub, which positions Brazil as a leader in the global energy transition. This initiative strengthens our infrastructure, attracts investment, and creates real opportunities for the people of Ceará,” stated Max Quintino, president of the Pecém Complex.

“Ceará is embracing the future by investing in green H₂ and building the policy foundations for a more sustainable, competitive, and inclusive economy,” said Jorge Coarasa Bustamante, World Bank Operations Manager for Brazil. “This program helps expand job opportunities and promotes clean growth, especially in regions historically left behind.”

Aligned with Brazil’s climate and development goals. The proposed project supports Brazil’s climate agenda, aligning with its updated Nationally Determined Contribution, the National H₂ Program, and the New Brazil Industry Policy. It is also consistent with Ceará’s “Plano Verde” and the broader federal and state efforts to promote a clean energy transition that fosters economic and social development through the creation of a clean H₂ industry. Despite being one of Brazil’s poorest states, Ceará is emerging as a key player in this sector, which is essential for decarbonizing segments such as industry and transport. The project leverages the country's renewable energy potential and the strategic infrastructure of the CIPP to support this transition.

The World Bank’s financial support is provided through an Investment Project Financing (IPF) instrument. The total financing amounts to $134 million, including $90 million of IBRD loan, $9 million grant from the IBRD Surplus-Funded Livable Planet Fund grant, $33.5 million of Climate Investment Funds (CIF) loan under the Renewable Energy Integration (REI) Program, and $1.5 million of CIF REI grant.