LatAm Grid & Ground: Weekly Newsflow: El Niño; BESS; Critical Minerals, Renewables and Biofuels

Research evidence excerpt

LatAm Grid & Ground: Weekly Newsflow: El Niño; BESS; Critical Minerals, Renewables and Biofuels

nced market

development by commercializing the first CORSIA-certified soy-based SAF globally.

Atlas advances Lithium processing in Brazil

Valor reported that Atlas Lithium is advancing the implementation of its lithium

processing plant in Minas Gerais, with operations expected between 3Q - 4Q27, as

part of a project totaling R$1.5 - 2.0 bn. The facility will initially produce 146 kt of

spodumene concentrate per year, with potential doubling capacity, leveraging a

processing method that avoids tailings dams. The project - supported by offtake

agreements with global partners such as Mitsui and Chinese battery suppliers -

highlights Brazil’s growing role in lithium supply chains, driven by demand from

batteries and data center infrastructure.

Vale advances Decarbonization while facing regulatory uncertainty

Folha highlighted that Vale plans to invest up to R$13 bn in decarbonization

initiatives, including low-carbon steel solutions and R&D, while warning it could

face up to R$22 bn in carbon-related costs from 2030 due to tightening global

regulations such as carbon pricing and border adjustment mechanisms. Also, Eixos

reported that the company has raised concerns over proposed changes to the GHG

Protocol, which may require real-time (24/7) tracking of renewable energy use,

potentially reducing recognition of existing renewable PPAs and increasing

compliance complexity.

Bahia Advances Green Hydrogen Development with Pilot Plant

MegaWhat published that a new green hydrogen pilot plant has been inaugurated in

Bahia with investments exceeding R$40 mn, aiming to accelerate the development

of Brazil’s low-carbon hydrogen value chain. The facility integrates electrolysis,