According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global energy sector set a new record for emissions in 2023, reaching 37.4 billion tons of CO2-1.1% more than in 2022. The energy sector (electricity + transport) is estimated to account for more than 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The G20 Energy Transitions Working Group will hold a meeting this week, bringing together energy ministers, leaders, and experts worldwide to discuss and consider energy transition policies. Until October 4th, the WG will hold the technical and ministerial meetings in Foz do Iguaçu, in the Brazilian state of Paraná.
With global emissions rising, international cooperation will be one of the pillars of discussions in Foz do Iguaçu. Brasil has stood out through strategic partnerships with various countries to promote the use of renewable energy. Examples include collaboration with Germany in developing solar, wind, and biogas technologies-with Austria also involved in the latter. Additionally, Brasil has been working with China and India on research and development in the biofuels sector.
CIBiogás is headquartered at Itaipu Parquetec and works with biogas generated from farming waste, as well as initiatives to transform biogas into renewable synthetic petroleum and the generation of biomethane from organic waste from the hydroelectric plant itself.
Leading various cutting-edge initiatives, Itaipu Binacional is considered a prime example of clean and renewable energy leadership and a thriving international partnership. According to Rogério Meneghetti, Superintendent of Renewable Energy at the company, "In a world increasingly aware of the climate emergency, the G20 ministerial meeting in Foz do Iguaçu represents a unique opportunity to advance the global sustainability agenda."
Rafael Gonzáles, president of the International Center for Renewable Energy (CIBiogás), believes there is a global need to adopt renewable energy sources more widely. "That's why there are high expectations for the exchange of experiences and the formulation of policies that will allow the expansion of these energy sources globally, in addition to discussions on investments and fostering innovation," he stated.
CIBiogás is headquartered at Itaipu Parquetec and works with biogas generated from farming waste, as well as initiatives to transform biogas into renewable synthetic petroleum and the generation of biomethane from organic waste from the hydroelectric plant itself.
Advance in clean energy mix
Despite the discouraging data on gas emissions from the energy sector, the IEA reports that 2023 was the first year in which at least half of the electricity production in industrialized countries came from low-emission sources, such as renewables and/or nuclear.
Brasil, for example, contributes to these numbers because it has one of the cleanest energy mixes in the world. This is thanks to the strong participation of renewable energies in electricity production-about 80%-and the significant presence of biofuels in the transportation sector, especially ethanol.
Research to expand green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel in Brasil is also progressing through international partnerships between Itaipu Binacional and German institutions, the Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network, and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
