Power-to-gas in Brazil: pathways for decarbonizing the natural gas grid

Abstract

Energy transition is essential for ensuring energy security, making the decarbonization of strategic sectors such as oil and gas a priority. Power-to-Gas (P2G), based on renewable hydrogen production and injection into natural gas networks, has been increasingly explored in several countries. Several countries have advanced P2G projects based on controlled hydrogen injection into natural gas grids. In Brazil, however, there is a lack of applied studies assessing compliance with national gas-quality requirements and the implications of hydrogen blending for natural gas applications. This gap, together with limited quantitative and regulatory analyses, hinders broader regulatory discussion and the assessment of commercial deployment pathways. This study presents a Brazil-specific screening assessment of hydrogen blending in natural gas networks, focusing on Higher Heating Value (HHV) and Wobbe Index (WI) compliance under current national standards. The results indicate that, under the adopted assumptions, blends of up to 20% H₂ can remain within Brazilian regulatory thresholds, although compliance margins vary with gas composition. Supplying the national network would require up to 19.3 million m³/day of electrolytic hydrogen. As a preliminary screening study, this work provides an initial technical basis for regulatory discussion and for policies aimed at enhancing energy security and supporting the energy transition.