On March 11, 2025, the Brazilian Federal Government published Resolution No. 5 of the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE), declaring the national interest in joining three international organizations and cooperation mechanisms in the energy sector: the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), both as full members, and the Charter of Cooperation among Oil-Producing Countries (CoC) as a participating agent.
International Energy Agency (IEA)
The International Energy Agency is an intergovernmental organization that coordinates energy policies among its members, aiming for energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Brazil’s membership in the IEA will enable the country to actively participate in global energy discussions, contributing its experience in renewable energy and biofuels.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
IRENA is dedicated to promoting the adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. Brazil’s participation in IRENA reinforces its national commitment to expanding renewable energy and decarbonizing its energy matrix.
Charter of Cooperation among Oil-Producing Countries (CoC)
Brazil’s participation in the CoC will allow the country to collaborate with major oil producers while maintaining its autonomy in determining production levels. The resolution specifies that this participation does not imply adherence to OPEC+ or any agreements controlling oil production volumes.
Brazilian Energy Scenario
Brazil is the world’s seventh-largest oil producer, with an output of approximately 4.3 million barrels per day, representing about 4% of global production. In 2024, crude oil became the country’s primary export product, accounting for 13.3% of external sales, surpassing soybeans.
In addition to oil, Brazil stands out in renewable energy production. In 2024, the country recorded an increase of 10,853.35 megawatts (MW) in its electricity generation matrix, the largest expansion since the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) began keeping records in 1997. Among the states with the highest installed capacity in 2024 were Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Rio Grande do Norte.
Solar and Wind Energy on the Rise
Solar photovoltaic energy experienced significant growth in 2024, generating 50.6 terawatt-hours (TWh)—a 68.1% increase compared to the previous year. The installed capacity of this source reached 37,843 MW, expanding by 54.8% from 2023.
Wind energy also showed substantial growth. Brazil has a technical potential of 300 gigawatts (GW) for wind energy, and installed capacity has been increasing at an average of 2 GW per year since 2013. In 2024, Brazil’s wind energy capacity reached 33 GW, representing about 11% of the country’s electricity matrix.
Challenges and Contradictions
Despite its commitment to sustainability, Brazil seeks to expand its oil production, aiming to become the fourth-largest oil producer in the world. Plans to explore new reserves, including areas near the Amazon estuary, have drawn criticism from environmentalists, who argue that expanding fossil fuel production contradicts climate goals.
Brazil’s decision to engage in international energy organizations marks a significant step in its energy transition strategy and its positioning in the global arena. However, the country faces the challenge of balancing its ambitions for climate leadership with the expansion of oil production, striving to reconcile economic development with environmental sustainability.
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