The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Far from being a mere replacement of energy sources, it represents a profound redefinition of our relationship with natural resources, driven by the urgency of climate change and the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable future. This article explores the multiple dimensions of this transition, from energy efficiency and mitigation technologies to issues of security, sustainability, accessibility, and energy justice, highlighting how these elements intertwine to shape a new global paradigm.
The Complexity of the Energy Transition: Beyond Simply Switching Sources
Historically, the energy transition has often been simplified as a shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources. However, this perspective is limited. As noted in recent analyses, such as the one published by Terra Planeta, the energy transition is a “broad and interrelated set of transformations” that affects not only energy supply but also demand and the socio-economic structure itself. It’s not just about where and how we produce energy, but how we consume, manage, and restructure our societies to be more efficient and just in their energy use.
Energy Efficiency: The Invisible Pillar of the Transition
Energy efficiency is a crucial, often underestimated component of the transition. Reducing energy consumption through more efficient technologies and practices is as important as generating clean energy. In Brazil, the Energy Efficiency Atlas from the Energy Research Company (EPE) monitors the country’s progress in this field. A study by ANEEL, for example, revealed that energy efficiency projects carried out between 2008 and 2022 resulted in an annual savings of 1,776 MWh. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that energy efficiency can contribute more than 40% of the greenhouse gas emissions reduction needed to meet global climate targets by 2040. This includes everything from optimizing industrial processes and constructing more sustainable buildings to adopting low-energy appliances and promoting more efficient transportation.
Mitigation Technologies: Innovation in Service of the Climate
Mitigation technologies play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond traditional renewables like solar and wind, which are fundamental, other innovations are emerging. The electrification of urban systems, green urban infrastructure, and smart energy demand management are examples. Green hydrogen, produced from renewable sources, is a promising energy vector, with large-scale projects such as the plant in Piauí, which is positioned as the largest in the world, as reported by the Piauí Legislative Assembly. Carbon capture and storage technologies (CCS, CCUS, and BECCS) are also considered, although they still face cost and scale challenges. Technological innovation is a key driver in accelerating the adoption of these solutions by overcoming regulatory and infrastructure limitations.
Security, Sustainability, and Accessibility: Pillars of a Just Transition
The energy transition cannot succeed without addressing the dimensions of security, sustainability, and accessibility. These pillars are interconnected and essential to ensure that the change is equitable and lasting.
Redefining Energy Security
Traditionally, energy security was tied to the uninterrupted supply of fossil fuels. In the transition, this definition expands. Overreliance on a few sources or supply routes—even of critical minerals for renewable technologies—can create geopolitical and economic vulnerabilities. The transition seeks to diversify the energy mix, strengthen supply chains, and promote local or regional energy self-sufficiency. This involves investing in energy storage, more resilient power grids, and smart demand management technologies. Grid resilience, for example, is crucial to handle the intermittency of renewables and extreme weather events.
Environmental Sustainability: Beyond Emissions Reduction
While reducing emissions is the primary goal, environmental sustainability in the energy transition goes further. It involves minimizing the total environmental impact of the energy technologies’ life cycle—from raw material extraction (like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths) to disposal and recycling. Issues such as water usage, ecosystem disruption from large wind and solar installations, and waste generation from batteries, panels, and turbines are increasingly relevant. A truly sustainable transition must foster a circular economy and responsible production and consumption practices, ensuring that the pursuit of clean energy does not create new environmental problems.
Energy Accessibility: A Fundamental Right
Energy accessibility is a fundamental requirement, especially in a world where billions still lack reliable access to electricity or clean cooking and comfort energy sources. The energy transition must be inclusive, ensuring that the benefits of clean and accessible energy reach all communities, tackling energy poverty and promoting human development. Decentralized solutions, such as home solar systems and microgrids, can be rapidly deployed in remote and rural areas where traditional infrastructure would be unfeasible. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights that access to energy is a catalyst for socio-economic development, health, and education.
Energy Justice: Equitably Distributing Burdens and Benefits
Energy justice is perhaps the most challenging component of the transition. It recognizes that the burdens and benefits are not distributed equally. Economic sectors, industries, and communities historically dependent on fossil fuels may face job losses and significant economic challenges. A just transition must offer support for workforce retraining, investment in new industries, and social safety nets for those disproportionately affected. Additionally, energy justice addresses who holds decision-making power and who benefits from the new energy economy, ensuring that local communities and marginalized groups have a voice and actively participate in energy policy design and implementation. This includes combating “green colonialism,” where renewable energy projects are imposed without the consent or benefit of local communities, as discussed in articles like the one from Oeco.
The Impacts of Climate Change on Energy Supply and Demand
Climate change is not only the driving force behind the energy transition; it also directly impacts energy supply and demand. Extreme events such as droughts, floods, cold and heatwaves affect the energy security of renewable systems. In Brazil, for example, water variability can impact hydropower generation, while heatwaves increase cooling demand. UOL News reported that May 2025 was the second hottest May in history, with high ocean temperatures, which may affect ecosystems and climate regulation capacity. These impacts reinforce the need for more resilient and adaptable energy systems.
The Role of Public Banks and the Potential of Biogas and Biomethane
In Brazil, public banks have played a fundamental role in financing the energy transition. Poder360 reported that in the last 10 years, BNDES, Banco do Nordeste, and Finep allocated R$146 billion to wind and solar energy projects, helping the country become the 6th largest in solar energy and the 5th in wind energy globally. Additionally, biogas and biomethane are emerging as promising solutions. In Brazil, Gás Verde, a leading biomethane producer, has demonstrated the potential of this sustainable fuel. With significant investments, such as the R$131 million approved by BNDES for biomethane production and plans to quadruple output to 640,000 m³ per day by 2028, Gás Verde transforms waste into clean energy, contributing to gas decarbonization and methane emissions reduction.
Conclusion
The energy transition is a multifaceted process that requires a holistic approach. It’s not just about changing the energy source, but redefining our relationship with natural resources by prioritizing efficiency, innovation, security, sustainability, accessibility, and justice. The challenges are immense, but the opportunities to build a cleaner, more resilient, and more equitable future are even greater. Collaboration between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society is essential to accelerate this transition and ensure it benefits everyone, leaving no one behind. Brazil, with its vast renewable energy potential and growing investment in technologies like green hydrogen and biomethane, is well positioned to be a leader in this new global landscape.
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