Decarbonizing the energy matrix has become a global priority in the fight against climate change. But how can we decarbonize efficiently and sustainably? The answer lies in transitioning to cleaner energy sources, investing in innovative technologies, and adopting policies that drive carbon emissions reduction.
The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 by 196 countries, establishes fundamental guidelines to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit global warming to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this, signatory countries must present concrete decarbonization targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In Brazil, these targets include reducing GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This commitment directly influences policies and investments in the energy sector, driving renewable sources, energy efficiency, and carbon pricing mechanisms. Recent data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reinforce the urgency of effective measures to limit global warming to 1.5ºC by 2050.
In this context, different sectors of the economy must adopt solutions such as electrification, energy storage, green hydrogen, carbon capture, and expanding the renewable energy matrix. This article explores viable decarbonization pathways and highlights concrete initiatives that are driving this transition globally.
The Current Decarbonization Landscape
According to the 2023 Global Energy Report by IRENA, renewable energies already account for about 40% of global installed capacity, with solar and wind power leading the way. However, the same report warns that the growth rate remains below what is necessary to meet climate goals. In 2022, global CO2 emissions from energy reached 36.8 gigatonnes, a 0.9% increase compared to the previous year, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
To reverse this trend, governments and companies are investing in solutions such as electrification of the economy, energy storage, green hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). The IPCC warns that CO2 emissions must be reduced by at least 45% by 2030 to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.
Main Energy Sources in the Energy Transition
Solar and Wind Energy
Solar photovoltaic and onshore and offshore wind energy are among the fastest-growing renewable sources. According to BloombergNEF, global solar capacity surpassed 1 terawatt (TW) in 2023, and it is expected to double by 2030. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for these technologies has dropped significantly over the past decade, making them more competitive than fossil fuels in many regions.
In Brazil, innovative projects like Solário Carioca, developed by GNPW, exemplify the advancement of solar energy in the country. This initiative transforms a decommissioned landfill in Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, into a 5-megawatt (MW) solar power plant, using more than 11,000 solar panels. The project, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GNPW Group and V-Power Energia, involves an investment of approximately R$ 45 million over 25 years and is expected to save R$ 2 million per year for municipal coffers. The plant will supply 45 municipal schools or 15 Emergency Care Units (UPAs) while also reducing 40,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.
Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis using renewable electricity, is seen as a solution to decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors such as steel, chemicals, and heavy transport. The 2023 Global Hydrogen Report by the IEA projects that global production of this fuel could reach 500 megatonnes per year by 2050, significantly cutting industry emissions.
Biofuels and Biomass
Advanced biofuels, such as second-generation ethanol and biodiesel, play a crucial role in decarbonizing the transportation sector. Brazil is one of the global leaders in this technology, and the RenovaBio program has been a key driver of the sector. Launched in 2017, RenovaBio sets mandatory decarbonization targets for fuel distributors, promoting biofuel expansion and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. One of the program’s pillars is certifying the carbon footprint of biofuels, allowing for the issuance of Decarbonization Credits (CBIOs) that can be traded in the market. This creates a financial incentive for producers and contributes to investment predictability in the bioenergy sector.
COP 30 and the Future of Decarbonization
The 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) will be hosted in Belém, Brazil, marking a turning point in the global decarbonization agenda. The event will focus on energy transition in Latin America and Brazil’s role as a leader in renewable energy production. Discussions on climate finance, carbon pricing, and the development of green hydrogen are expected to take center stage, strengthening the global trajectory toward a sustainable energy system.
With strategic planning and adequate investments, it is possible to build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy system for future generations. COP 30 will be a crucial moment to define the next steps in this journey toward a planet with less carbon and more clean energy.
