The International Energy Agency Releases Landmark Brazil 2025 Review, Praises Country’s Long-Term Clean Energy Vision

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its latest in-depth review of Brazil’s energy policies, recognising the country’s comprehensive and long-term approach to shaping a secure, sustainable and people-centred energy future. The new report, Brazil 2025, outlines 30 targeted recommendations designed to support the country in meeting its ambitious energy and climate objectives, while balancing economic growth, social inclusion and energy security.

Launched in Belém during the COP30 climate conference by Brazil’s Secretary for Energy Transition and Planning Gustavo Cerqueira Ataíde and the IEA’s Head of Renewable Energy Paolo Frankl, the report marks the first review of this kind that the IEA has conducted for Brazil. It reflects the deepening partnership between the Agency and Latin America’s largest economy, which formally requested full IEA membership earlier this year after joining as an Association country in 2017.

According to the IEA, Brazil’s strong energy policies, extensive renewable resources and long-term planning frameworks have positioned it as a global leader in the clean energy transition. Brazil is already committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and has made inclusive, people-focused energy development a core priority, driven by programmes such as Light for All (Programa Luz para Todos) and targeted affordability mechanisms.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol noted that Brazil stands out as both a major oil and gas producer and a true low-carbon energy champion. He highlighted the country’s ability to leverage local natural resources to strengthen energy security and deliver sustainable development. The report’s recommendations aim to help Brazil build on these achievements and accelerate progress toward its national energy and climate goals.

Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira welcomed the findings, stating that the IEA’s assessment underscores the strength of the country’s public policies, which emphasise clarity, stability and long-term strategic planning. He highlighted Brazil’s consistent advances in biofuels, renewable energy expansion, transmission infrastructure development and efforts to ensure a just energy transition that supports poverty reduction and improves quality of life.

The Brazil 2025 report was developed through close collaboration between the IEA and Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, supported by extensive input from government agencies, industry experts, academia and civil society. Drawing on international best practices, the study reflects a wide range of technical contributions and insights gathered through a dedicated expert mission to Brazil.

The report notes that Brazil benefits from one of the world’s cleanest electricity systems, with around 90 per cent of its power generation in 2024 coming from low-emissions sources, primarily hydropower, wind, solar and bioenergy. The country’s strong position in biofuel production further reinforces its leadership in the global energy transition and opens new opportunities to scale low-emissions hydrogen and next-generation biofuels.

However, achieving Brazil’s long-term energy transition goals will require a substantial increase in investments across energy infrastructure and flexible resources. As wind and solar capacity continue to expand rapidly, enhancing system flexibility through hydropower optimisation, energy storage, demand-side response and modernised grid infrastructure will be essential to maintaining reliability and resilience.

The Brazilian government is already integrating the report’s insights into the development of its national energy transition plan, known as PLANTE. In parallel, the IEA and the Ministry of Mines and Energy are working together on a Data and Statistics Roadmap to further strengthen the country’s energy data systems, ensuring that policy-making remains robust, transparent and evidence-based.

Looking ahead, cooperation between the IEA and Brazil will continue to deepen under a shared work programme agreed at the IEA Ministerial meeting. This includes ongoing exchanges of global best practices and technical support to help Brazil advance innovation, sustainability and leadership in the global energy landscape.