January 26, is the International Day of Clean Energy, a date established to raise awareness of the importance of renewable sources in society and the environment, as well as to mobilize actions from the world for a fair transition to clean energies. This is the first time that the day is celebrated, proposed by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).
Clean energy contributes to the fight against air pollution, protects communities from the effects of climate change and meets the growing demand for electricity, being able to connect billions of people to affordable sources of energy. In the global scenario, Brazil has a privileged position in terms of clean and renewable energies, with about 50% of our energy matrix and 88% of our electric matrix being clean and sustainable.
According to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, Brazil emerges as an inspiring example for other nations, demonstrating that it is possible to balance economic development with the sustainable adoption of renewable energies and biofuels.
“The renewability of the Brazilian matrices are highlights in the world and represent a great opportunity for the construction of a fair and inclusive energy transition, generating clean energies, employment and income for our population. The country’s commitment to leading this process remains firm, guiding other countries towards a more fair and inclusive future,” he said.
Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released the report ‘Renewables 2023’, which reinforced Brazil’s leadership in Latin America in the issue of renewable energy expansion. The estimates point to an increase of 165 gigawatts (GW) of renewable generation in the region from 2023 to 2028, with Brazil representing more than 65% of that total. Solar energy leads the expansion, followed by wind energy. The data in the document consolidate the country as one of the highlights of the energy transition in the international scenario, not only for the favorable environment for investment, but also for innovative policies that boost the growth of clean and sustainable energy sources.
The IEA report also highlights that Brazil, together with other emerging economies, leads the growth of biofuels, surpassing the average of the last five years by 30%. The document points out that the country, alone, will contribute with 40% of the global expansion of biofuels by 2028, supported by robust policies in this sector. The use of biofuels in road transport remains the main source of new supply, accounting for almost 90% of the expansion.
At COP 28, where Brazil boosted the commitment to the energy transition in the climate negotiations, an agreement was signed between the countries to triple the capacity of renewable energies and double the global energy efficiency by 2030. In addition, the countries must create new national climate plans by 2025 that map a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy.