ICCI’s first learning session examines Brazil’s energy transition

On Friday, Aug. 29, ICCI kicked off its first collective learning session, the beginning of a series designed to connect our team with experts whose insights align with our mission and expand our perspective on the agendas we support. The session focused on Brazil’s energy transition, examining the country’s context, challenges, and opportunities.

The session was led by Rosana Santos and Clauber Leite, directors of E+ Energy Transition Institute, an independent Brazilian think tank that works to connect governments, industry, civil society and academia to promote the energy transition and the green transformation of industry as vectors for the country’s socio-economic development.

The discussion began with reflections on the concept of energy transition, emphasizing the gradual shift in underlying resources or technologies used to generate energy. During the session, this was illustrated by definitions such as Peter A. O’Connor’s, “a particularly significant set of changes to the patterns of energy use in a society,” which resonated with the group.

The session explored Brazil’s energy and electricity systems, focusing on the challenges that come with the growing share of variable renewable sources in recent years. The group also discussed the impacts of climate change, long-term sustainable development prospects, and possible pathways to a low-carbon economy.

Ultimately, what became clear from the discussion was that the energy sector requires a thorough review of its regulatory framework so that Brazil can fully leverage its competitive advantages, and develop a strategic vision for how a cleaner energy system can drive the country’s development in the context of the global energy transition, while incorporating social, economic, and energy security aspects.