Challenge
The production of green hydrogen depends on the availability of high-quality water for the electrolysis process, a critical factor for the technical and environmental feasibility of projects linked to the energy transition.
At the Pecém Industrial and Port Complex (CIPP) in the State of Ceará, the challenge was to identify the most effective alternatives for industrial water supply, evaluating options that would balance technical efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability.
To achieve this goal, the World Bank, through an international bidding process, selected RINA to provide technical support to the Government of Ceará in conducting a feasibility study for the supply of industrial water for green hydrogen production, based on two main routes: reuse of treated wastewater and seawater desalination.
Applied expertise
RINA conducted a comprehensive study focused on integrated solutions for industrial water supply dedicated to green hydrogen production at the CIPP, considering medium- and long-term development scenarios.
As Project Coordinator we provided:
- Qualified engagement through hybrid formats: in-person and virtual consultations ensuring broad institutional and community participation;
- Multidisciplinary and global team: national and international experts in energy, sustainability, and resource efficiency;
- Comparative and integrated approach: analysis of two innovative industrial water supply alternatives under technical, economic, and environmental perspectives;
- Focus on sustainability: solutions designed to minimize environmental impacts and promote responsible water use;
- Planning for industrial expansion: consideration of CIPP’s future growth and adaptability to new industry demands;
- Proven experience with multilateral organizations: strong record of high-impact project delivery for the World Bank, IFC, and IDB.
The scope of our work included:
- Comparative technical and economic study between treated effluent reuse and seawater desalination.
- Evaluation of transportation and treatment alternatives for reclaimed water, aimed at cost reduction and environmental efficiency.
- Conceptual proposal for a seawater desalination plant, including estimates for construction, operation, and maintenance costs, as well as environmental impact assessment.
- Comprehensive economic and financial analysis, including CAPEX, OPEX, NPV, IRR, payback period, and marginal cost estimates.
- Study of water consumption at CIPP, considering industrial growth projections for the next 5 to 10 years.
- Assessment of existing water supply infrastructure, with analysis of possible adaptation and expansion.
- Definition of the physical-chemical parameters required for water used in electrolysis.
- Evaluation of risks (climatic, political, environmental, and economic) and legal feasibility of proposed solutions.
- Estimation of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) capacity and analysis of reservoirs and potential supply alternatives.
Impact
The study provided a solid technical foundation to guide strategic decisions on industrial water supply at CIPP, ensuring technical feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with Ceará’s decarbonization goals.
Among the key results:
- Unprecedented comparative analysis between effluent reuse and desalination, addressing technical, economic, and environmental criteria.
- Sustainable solution proposals, focusing on proper disposal of by-products (brine and solid waste) and the responsible use of water resources.
- Projection of future water demand scenarios, incorporating industrial growth and the potential expansion of new green hydrogen plants.
- Strategic support for decision-making, enabling government and investors to identify the most efficient and sustainable model for water supply at the CIPP.
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