Biogas and biomass emerge as promising alternatives in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. With COP28 approaching, the global community prepares to define the course of climate actions, making this event crucial for the planet's future.
Climate change is forcing companies to rethink their business models, with an increasing focus on clean energy and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices. The risk is clear, with extreme weather events costing the global economy $313 billion in 2022. Companies across industries are adapting their operations, from transitioning to wind and solar power to investing in water reuse systems and more weather-resistant equipment. climate. This transformation is linked to ESG, where environmental consideration has become a critical factor. The electricity sector is an example of rapid adaptation, with companies such as Enel drastically changing their business plans over the last decade, focusing on renewable energy generation.
Brazil can achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through investments in renewable energy, transport electrification, and green hydrogen, as well as public policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage the energy transition.
In 2022, Brazil reached a record in the generation of electricity from renewable sources. Hydroelectric, wind, solar and biomass plants were responsible for 92% of the electricity produced in the country. In addition to being clean and inexhaustible, renewable sources are also more sustainable and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to renewable energy is essential for decarbonization and reducing social impacts.
Brazil still does not produce even 1% of its biomethane production potential, which can reach 100 million m³/day. Currently, there are ten biomethane plants in Brazil, located in Ceará, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Paraná, but the perspective is for growth, including for export.
The issue of decarbonization is crucial for our future. Global warming is a real threat, and if we don't take action to curb carbon emissions, the planet will face catastrophic consequences. But what is the path to decarbonization?
What is the role of bioenergy in achieving net zero emissions? Bioenergy currently accounts for two-thirds of renewable energy consumption worldwide and 12% of final energy consumption.
In 2022, even with increased energy demand in some countries, emissions from the energy sector are expected to decrease. The data is from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Electricity Market report, which points to a drop in overall global electricity demand of 2.4%. Thus, the values should pull emissions from the energy sector down, pointing to a decline of 0.5%.
The energy transition is the process of migrating from energy production based on fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, to a cleaner generation, investing in renewable sources, such as wind, solar and biomass generation.
Part of the large Brazilian companies have already understood the importance and relevance of ESG goals within organizations. Increasingly, environmental, social and governance issues become priorities with internal changes and even compensation programs for executives linked to the achievement of goals.