With Belém (PA) confirmed as the host city for the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in 2025, Brazil positions itself at the epicenter of the global climate debate. The choice of a city in the heart of the Amazon is deeply symbolic, signaling to the world that discussions about the planet’s future are intrinsically tied to forest preservation and the development of a sustainable economy. More than just a host, Brazil now faces a historic opportunity: to establish itself not only as an environmental guardian but as a true clean-energy superpower, leading the global energy transition by example.
Brazil enters this moment with a remarkable competitive advantage. Unlike most nations, whose power grids still depend heavily on fossil fuels, Brazil already boasts one of the cleanest energy matrices in the world. Historically, this leadership was built upon the strength of its vast river basins, which power a robust hydroelectric system. However, the future of this leadership is now being reshaped by two other forces of nature: the sun and the wind. The rapid growth of solar and wind energy in recent years has not only diversified the matrix but also revealed a potential capable of transforming Brazil into the main protagonist of the new low-carbon economy.
The key question is: how can Brazil turn this immense potential into effective global leadership? The answer lies in a combination of accelerated expansion, strategic investment in infrastructure and technology, and the creation of regulatory frameworks that ensure security and attract the capital necessary for this energy revolution. COP30 will be Brazil’s grand stage to showcase to the world not only its achievements but also an ambitious and realistic plan for the future.
The Current Landscape: A Renewable Powerhouse in Full Expansion
To understand Brazil’s starting point, it’s essential to look at the numbers. The Brazilian power matrix is a success story on the world stage, with renewable sources accounting for the majority of its installed capacity. This solid foundation is in full expansion, driven by exponential growth in what are known as the “new renewables.”
Photovoltaic solar energy is the standout in this transformation. In a rapid and decisive movement, solar power has surpassed wind and consolidated itself as the second-largest source in Brazil’s electrical matrix, behind only hydro. According to data from the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR), Brazil has reached record levels of installed capacity, driven both by large solar plants (centralized generation) and by a true popular and corporate phenomenon of distributed generation systems — solar panels on the rooftops of homes, businesses, and industries.
The year 2023, for instance, set a new record with the addition of more than 10 GW of solar power — a testament to the sector’s dynamism. This growth not only enhances energy security but also generates a virtuous cycle of investment, job creation, and technological development throughout the value chain.
At the same time, wind energy continues its successful trajectory, especially in the Northeast region, which has some of the best wind conditions on the planet for electricity generation. The wind turbines that have reshaped the landscape of Brazil’s semi-arid hinterlands are now a cornerstone of the country’s energy system. But a new frontier with even greater potential is emerging: offshore wind energy. Generating electricity from ocean winds is the sector’s next major bet. Brazil has an extensive coastline with shallow waters and steady winds — ideal conditions for such projects. The Energy Research Company (EPE) has already mapped a technical potential exceeding 700 GW, a figure several times greater than the country’s current total installed capacity. Regulations for these projects are in advanced stages of discussion, and their approval could unlock tens of billions of dollars in investments, creating a new industry and placing Brazil at the forefront of this technology.
Strategic Challenges to Overcome
Despite this promising scenario, the path to global leadership is not free of obstacles. Turning potential into reality requires confronting complex challenges in infrastructure, technology, and regulation.
The first and most urgent challenge is expanding the transmission grid. Most of Brazil’s solar and wind potential is concentrated in the Northeast, while the largest energy consumption centers are in the Southeast and South. To connect generation to demand, robust transmission lines are essential. The lack of sufficient transmission capacity has already become a bottleneck, limiting the construction of new renewable plants. The government has conducted record auctions for new lines, but generation capacity continues to expand faster than transmission. Overcoming this deficit is crucial to ensure that the clean and affordable energy generated in the Northeast reaches the entire country, reducing costs for consumers and strengthening system reliability.
The second major challenge is the intermittency of renewable sources. The sun doesn’t shine at night, and the wind doesn’t blow all the time. This natural variability demands solutions that guarantee the stability and reliability of the power system. The answer lies in developing and implementing energy storage technologies. Large-scale batteries that can store energy generated during sunny and windy peaks to release it when needed are the main focus. Although costs remain a limiting factor, they are falling sharply, and pilot projects are already emerging across Brazil.
Another promising and synergistic technology is Green Hydrogen (H2V). Produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy, H2V acts as an energy carrier — storing solar and wind energy in gaseous form that can later be used to generate electricity or as a raw material to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries such as steelmaking and fertilizer production. Brazil has the potential to become one of the most competitive producers of H2V in the world, turning a challenge (excess renewable generation at certain times) into an opportunity for export and green reindustrialization.
The Road to Leadership at COP30 and Beyond
COP30 in Belém will be more than a conference; it will be a defining moment for Brazil. To assume the role of global energy transition leader, the country must present a clear and compelling project that goes beyond celebrating its natural potential.
This project should be grounded in three essential pillars:
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- Accelerated and Diversified Expansion: Continue encouraging the growth of solar and wind power while unlocking the potential of offshore wind and other clean sources, such as biomass.
- Massive Investment in Infrastructure and Technology: Prioritize the construction of transmission lines, create incentives for energy storage projects, and strengthen the value chain of Green Hydrogen production.
- Clear and Stable Regulatory Frameworks: Ensure predictable rules that attract long-term investments, both domestic and international, across all segments of the clean-energy chain.
By articulating this vision at COP30, Brazil can show the world that it is possible to combine economic development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Leading the energy transition is not only about changing how electricity is generated; it is about building a new economy, creating quality jobs, reducing costs for households and industries, and — most importantly — making a decisive contribution to the fight against climate change. The opportunity is before us. It is up to Brazil to turn it into a legacy.
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