GREEN HYDROGEN AS A DEVELOPMENT VECTOR: THE ROLE OF BIOMASS IN BAHIA’S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

This article analyzes the strategic potential of residual biomass in the state of Bahia for the production of green hydrogen (H₂V), recognized as an essential energy vector in the transition toward a low-carbon and socially inclusive economy. Grounded in the concepts of a just energy transition, bioeconomy, and sustainable environmental management, the study adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach based on documentary, bibliographic, and geospatial analysis. The technical process involved the regionalized mapping of agricultural, forestry, urban, and industrial biomass sources, integrating data from the Atlas H₂V Bahia (2023) and the EPE Technical Note (2025). The results indicate a wide availability of biomass distributed across Bahia’s macro-regions, highlighting its potential complementarity with solar and wind matrices, contributing to energy diversification, job and income generation in inland areas, and the reduction of carbon emissions. The analysis shows that biomass, when associated with H₂V, strengthens local productive chains and enhances socioeconomic resilience by connecting technological innovation, sustainability, and regional development. The main contributions of the study are: (1) scientific – advancing the conceptual integration between biomass and hydrogen from the perspective of a just transition; (2) practical – proposing a regionalized model for mapping bioenergy potential; and (3) political – providing technical support for the formulation of decarbonization policies with social inclusion. This study innovates by regionalizing the biomass potential for H₂V in Bahia, offering an analytical tool for decarbonization policies with social inclusion. Objective: This study aims to map and analyze the potential of residual biomass in the state of Bahia for green hydrogen (H₂V) production, assessing its strategic contribution to the energy transition and regional socioeconomic development. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in the concepts of just energy transition, bioeconomy, and sustainable environmental management, highlighting biomass as a key vector for decarbonization. Theoretical and technical sources include Barroso (2022), Sovacool et al. (2021), Bezerra and Melo (2022), Silva and Costa (2023), Atlas H₂V Bahia (2023), and EPE Technical Note – Hydrogen and Biomass (2025). Method: A qualitative and exploratory approach was adopted, based on documentary, bibliographic, and geospatial analysis. The main analytical tool was the Regionalized Infographic – Green Hydrogen Production in Bahia through Biomass, which correlates biomass sources (agricultural, forest, urban, and industrial) with the state’s macro-regions. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate a wide availability of biomass across Bahia’s macro-regions, emphasizing its complementarity with solar and wind energy. This integration fosters energy diversification, job creation, and local productive strengthening. Research Implications: Practically, the study shows that H₂V derived from biomass can decarbonize industrial and agricultural sectors, fostering a regional green economy. Theoretically, it reinforces the link between energy sustainability and inclusive regional development. Originality/Value: This study innovates by regionalizing the biomass potential for H₂V in Bahia, offering an analytical tool to support decarbonization policies with social inclusion and sustainable energy planning.