In 2025, the pursuit of sustainable energy use and the appreciation of renewable sources have become fundamental pillars for economic development and environmental preservation. The growing awareness of climate change impacts and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drive governments, businesses, and society to adopt cleaner and more efficient energy practices. However, for this transition to occur effectively and quickly, awareness must be expanded, reaching not only decision-makers but also the general population.
Every consumption choice directly impacts the global energy matrix. The electricity we use, the products we buy, and even the transportation we choose influence the demand for fossil or renewable sources. Becoming informed about the topic and adopting energy efficiency practices are essential steps for society to actively participate in this transformation.
The Growth of Renewable Energy Sources
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 2023 recorded a record increase of 473 gigawatts (GW) in renewable energy capacity, raising the global total to 3,870 GW. Renewable sources accounted for 86% of new energy capacity additions that year. However, this growth was not uniform across all regions, highlighting the need for a more equitable distribution of the benefits of the energy transition.
Asia led this expansion, accounting for 69% (326 GW) of new capacities, driven mainly by China, which alone added 297.6 GW. This progress underscores the disparity with other regions, especially developing countries that still face significant challenges in integrating renewable sources into their energy matrices.
However, this growth should not be solely the result of government and corporate incentives and investments. Society plays a fundamental role in advancing sustainable energy. The adoption of renewable sources, whether through the installation of residential solar panels or support for public policies focused on clean energy, can significantly transform the sector.
The Importance of Renewable Sources for Sustainability
Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass, play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Besides being inexhaustible, these sources contribute to diversifying the energy matrix, increasing supply security, and promoting socioeconomic development.
IRENA highlighted that in 2023, 81% of the newly installed renewable capacity had costs lower than fossil alternatives, reinforcing the economic competitiveness of clean energy.
However, for the energy transition to be truly effective, it is essential to expand knowledge and acceptance of renewable sources across society. Resistance to change, often based on misinformation or concerns about initial costs, needs to be addressed with clear and accessible information. Awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy should be promoted in schools, businesses, and public campaigns.
The Brazilian Landscape
Brazil has one of the cleanest energy matrices in the world, with a significant share of renewable sources. According to the 2024 National Energy Balance (BEN), prepared by the Energy Research Company (EPE), renewable sources accounted for 49.1% of Brazil’s energy matrix in 2023, an increase of 1.7 percentage points compared to the previous year. In the electricity matrix, this participation was even more significant, reaching 89.2%. (energiaeambiente.org.br)
Photovoltaic solar energy has stood out in the national scenario. In January 2024, the country surpassed the 37 GW mark of installed capacity from this source, corresponding to 16.3% of the national electricity matrix. Since 2012, solar energy has attracted more than R$ 179.5 billion in investments, generated around 1.1 million jobs, and prevented the emission of 45.2 million tons of CO₂ in electricity generation. (absolar.org.br)
Despite this progress, challenges remain regarding awareness. Many consumers are unaware of the benefits of adopting solar energy in homes and businesses or do not fully understand the positive impacts of energy efficiency in everyday life.
Socioeconomic Benefits of Renewable Energy
The transition to renewable sources brings a range of benefits beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but people need to be aware of them for changes to happen more quickly and effectively.
- Job Creation: The renewable energy sector is labor-intensive, especially during installation and maintenance phases. Brazil is already one of the countries that generate the most jobs in this sector, and this number could grow even more with public support.
- Reduction in Energy Costs: With the drop in renewable technology costs, consumers and businesses can benefit from lower energy tariffs in the long run. But it is essential that this information reaches the public to increase adoption.
- Mindset Shift: Environmental and energy education is crucial for society to understand the importance of conscious and sustainable consumption. Small changes in daily habits, such as reducing energy waste and opting for renewable sources, make a big difference in the long run.
The sustainable use of energy and the adoption of renewable sources are imperative to address climate challenges and promote balanced economic development. However, this transformation does not depend solely on public policies and corporate investments. Social awareness is a determining factor in accelerating this transition.
Brazil, with its vast potential in natural resources, is well-positioned to lead this change, reaping environmental, economic, and social benefits. But for this to happen, each individual must understand their role in building a more sustainable future.
Whether by reducing energy consumption, investing in renewable sources, or supporting sustainable public policies, every action counts. After all, the energy transition is not just a global movement but a collective responsibility that begins with awareness and engagement from each of us.
Comment