Brazil has a unique opportunity to build on its energy strengths and further advance its position in the global energy system, though carefully balancing a range of policy priorities will remain essential, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Brazil 2025, out today, features a comprehensive review of the country's energy policies across different sectors. It also provides recommendations for how Brazil can meet its ambitious energy and climate goals, including its overarching aim of delivering a clean, just and people-centred energy transition while maintaining energy security and supporting sustainable economic development.
IEA Deputy Director Mary Burce Warlick and Brazil's Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira are launching the report - the first review of its kind that the IEA has conducted for Brazil - today in Belém on the sidelines of the COP30 climate change conference.
The study, which the IEA prepared at the request of the Government of Brazil, exemplifies the deepening co-operation between the IEA and Latin America's most populous country and largest economy. Earlier this year, Brazil - which joined the IEA Family as an Association country in 2017 - formally requested to join the IEA as a full Member, citing years of close partnership and the strong value that the IEA provides to its member countries in navigating a complex global energy landscape.
"Brazil has long been a leader on the global energy stage. As well as being a major producer of oil and natural gas, it is a true low-carbon energy champion. Brazil's experience offers insights and lessons on how to leverage local resources towards secure and sustainable energy pathways. This report provides concrete recommendations to support the country in building on its achievements and further advancing its national energy goals in the years ahead," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.
Minister Silveira: "The IEA study unequivocally underlines Brazil's leadership in the global energy transition, underpinned by public policies that provide clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic vision capable of attracting investment and driving transformation. We are making steady progress in biofuels, renewable energy, and in strengthening and expanding our transmission system, as well as in advancing a just energy transition that reduces poverty and improves quality of life for all Brazilians. We take pride in the Agency's assessment, value its technical rigour, and reaffirm our commitment to deepen this partnership to unlock new frontiers of innovation, development, and international leadership for Brazil."
The report's preparation involved a technical visit by the IEA and experts from IEA member countries, carried out in close collaboration with Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy and with broad participation from government representatives, industry, academia and civil society. Its recommendations reflect best practices from around the world.
According to the report, Brazil has positioned itself as a leader in the global energy transition through its energy policies and goals, which include reaching net zero emissions by 2050. These objectives are supported by long-term planning frameworks. Brazil has also prioritised putting people at the centre of its energy transition, having already taken significant strides in improving energy access and affordability - notably through its the Light for All Programme (Programa Luz para Todos) and targeted subsidies.
Additionally, Brazil is already endowed with a power system that is predominantly based on renewables, with 90% of electricity coming from low-emissions sources in 2024. It is also a global leader in biofuels production, which could open up significant new opportunities. The report notes that the country is well-positioned to scale up low-emissions hydrogen production and to advance the development of next-generation biofuels.
Achieving Brazil's goals for a successful energy transition will require a sharp increase in investment in viable projects and infrastructure, which can provide the flexibility needed for a secure and sustainable transition. As variable renewables expand rapidly in Brazil, investing in system flexibility, through hydropower, storage, demand-side response and grid modernisation, will be essential to ensure reliability, efficiency and resilience.
The Brazilian government is taking the Brazil 2025 report into consideration as part of ongoing work on its energy transitions plan (PLANTE). The IEA and the Ministry of Mines and Energy are also preparing a Data and Statistics Roadmap, which will provide elements for the further strengthening of Brazil's robust energy data systems.
The IEA and Brazil will continue to deepen their cooperation, based on a joint work programme agreed at the last IEA Ministerial meeting, including continued facilitation of international best practice exchange and technical inputs to ongoing policy making.
