International protagonism

Under the current administration, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has assumed an unprecedented international role, prioritizing the projection of Brazil as a leader in the global energy transition.

Of particular note is its strong performance in the G20, where the MME held the rotating presidency of the Energy Transitions Working Group between 12/01/2023 and 11/30/2024. The MME hosted major international events in Brasília (April), Belo Horizonte (May), and Foz do Iguaçu (October), with the mission of coordinating and articulating negotiations among energy ministers from all continents.

This protagonism also extended to the following summits:

• COP 28 – Dubai (United Arab Emirates), December 2023

• World Economic Forum – Davos (Switzerland), January 2024 Š COP 29 – Baku (Azerbaijan), November 2024.

In the same vein, the MME participated in several other events, including:

• CERAWeek by S&P Global – Houston (USA), March 2024

• Legal Forum – Lisbon (Portugal), June 2024

• Brazil-Chile Business Forum – Santiago (Chile), August 2024.

During this period, dozens of bilateral meetings were held to establish agreements and partnerships on topics of common interest.

At these high-level meetings, Brazil presented and discussed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s strategy for a fair, clean, and inclusive energy transition, emphasizing the fight against energy poverty and the principle that no one should be left behind.

A decisive conceptual milestone was the presentation of “Brazil’s Open Letter for a Fair and Inclusive Energy Transition, Focused on People”, delivered by Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira to Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 3, 2024.

The principles expressed in this document were officially endorsed and adopted in the Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration in November, 2024, at the close of the G20 Heads of State Summit.

The G20 brings together the world’s largest economies. As the main forum for global economic cooperation, it plays a central role in governance and in addressing the major issues of our time.

The group consists of 19 countries (South Africa, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, South Korea, the United States, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Turkey) plus two regional bodies (the African Union and the European Union).

According to official figures, members represent about 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population.

In 2025, Brazil’s focus will shift to hosting COP 30 in Belém, Pará, in 11/2025, welcoming delegations from all continents.

OPEN LETTER TO POPE FRANCIS

On May 3, 2024, Minister Alexandre Silveira met with Pope Francis at the Vatican and presented him with the “Open Letter from Brazil for a Fair and Inclusive Energy Transition, Focused on People.”

As part of Brazil’s G20 presidency in 2024 and its leadership of the Energy Transitions Working Group, the minister introduced Brazil’s contribution to the world: ten core principles for a fair and inclusive energy transition (highlighted in the document).

During the audience, Pope Francis emphasized that the energy transition, in addition to being fair and inclusive, must be mandatory. He recognized the importance of the Light for All Program (“Luz para Todos”), one of the largest public policies worldwide for combating energy poverty.

“The Holy Father said governments should act as a necessary State, capable of effectively helping those most in need, building a better society. He emphasized the importance of governments, such as President Lula’s, returning to play an active global role in promoting inclusion,” said the minister.

At the meeting, the pontiff reaffirmed the importance of meeting the Paris Agreement goals by 2030 and praised countries that already have highly renewable energy matrices, such as Brazil and other Global South nations.

“We were able to highlight Brazil’s inclusive policies across sectors. Pope Francis urged us to continue decarbonizing the transportation and mobility matrix, as well as other CO2-intensive sectors, especially in Brazil through biofuels,” Alexandre Silveira noted. “He guided and encouraged us to continue defending the most vulnerable so that, through public policies, we can protect everyone—especially those who need it most.”

The Open Letter stressed that the pontiff’s concern and leadership on global challenges, such as climate change and global warming, have raised awareness and demanded effective action from countries, especially developed ones, to combat energy poverty and build consensus for the common good.

The document reaffirmed that Brazil has the necessary credentials to lead discussions on energy transition. The country has one of the cleanest energy matrices in the world, with approximately 50% of its total energy coming from renewable sources. Its electricity mix is among the most renewable globally, with about 90% of electricity generated from renewable sources.

TEN BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR A FAIR AND INCLUSIVE ENERGY TRANSITION

Brazil’s contribution to the world, taken from the Open Letter delivered by Minister Alexandre Silveira to Pope Francis at the Vatican

1. Combat energy poverty in all its forms, ensuring universal access to electricity and clean cooking technologies.
2. Structure efficient mechanisms for allocating costs and subsidies for new technologies, enabling access for the poorest populations.
3. Integrate gender, race, and ethnic perspectives into energy policies.
4. Implement effective measures to mitigate socio-environmental impacts of energy infrastructure, including clean technologies and the use of materials and minerals essential to the transition.
5. Promote social dialogue and proper engagement of stakeholders in decision-making related to energy transition.
6. Foster social and economic development by diversifying supply chains and adding value in emerging economies and developing countries rich in renewable energy and mineral resources.
7. Encourage labor remobilization and the creation of decent jobs, with greater female participation in the transition workforce.
8. Promote vocational training for the energy transition.
9. Recognize the rights of traditional and indigenous communities, ensuring social protection for vulnerable groups.
10. Acknowledge the importance of long-term energy planning, in its various forms, to guide actions, financing instruments, and energy transition policies.

FOZ DO IGUAÇU DECLARATIONS

In October 2024, the MME enabled the adoption of a historic joint declaration by G20 countries to implement efforts to triple renewable energy capacity and double the global average rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The In October 2024, the MME enabled the adoption of a historic joint declaration by G20 countries to triple renewable energy capacity and double the global average rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The agreement was reached at the close of the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting, chaired by Minister Alexandre Silveira, at the summit in Foz do Iguaçu (Paraná).

The Working Group had not signed a declaration of commitments since 2021. Consensus was achieved thanks to intense Brazilian coordination, the result of extensive dialogue and diplomatic efforts. This outcome reinforced recognition of Brazil’s leadership in global energy transition discussions.

The text acknowledged that developing countries require support for low-carbon transitions, including facilitated financing. It also highlighted one of Brazil’s main priorities: universal access to clean cooking technologies as essential to combating energy poverty.

At the same time, also in Foz do Iguaçu, ministers from the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and Mission Innovation (MI) platforms, for the first time, signed a joint declaration.

In this document, they committed to “accelerating clean, sustainable, fair, affordable, and inclusive energy transitions, through diverse pathways, as a means to promote strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth and achieve climate goals.” Inspired by Brazil’s leadership at the G20, this marked the first time CEM and MI members signed such a declaration.

RESULTS FROM FOZ DO IGUAÇU

Commitments made

• Signing of the “G20 Energy Ministers’ Declaration” (the first since 2021), with the annex of the “Voluntary Principles for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition,” an evolution of the text previously presented by Minister Alexandre Silveira to Pope Francis.

• Efforts to triple installed renewable energy capacity and double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency.

• Acceleration of efforts to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030.

• Commitment to the “Voluntary Principles for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition”.

• Creation of the Global Coalition for Energy Planning, essential for the Global South, to promote energy planning actions while respecting sovereignty and national circumstances, reducing project financing risks, especially in African countries.

• Commitment to accelerate clean, sustainable, fair, accessible, and inclusive energy transitions, ensuring no one is left behind—particularly the poor and vulnerable—one of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s core principles.

• Promotion of gender equality and recognition of women’s leadership in energy transition.

• Call to catalyze and expand investments from all financial sources to bridge the global financing gap for energy transition.

• Commitment to national energy planning, capacity building, policy strategies, and regulatory frameworks.

• Recognition of global inequalities and challenges in the current energy landscape.

• Recognition of the crucial role of sustainable fuels and technologies: the first global representative document to highlight the importance of sustainable fuels, including biofuels, in tackling climate change, with openness to all technological pathways for reducing emissions.

• Promotion of improvements in global energy efficiency through existing targets and policies.

• Recognition of critical minerals, materials, components, products, and technologies for energy transitions.

G20 and CEM/MI milestones

• R$ 6 billion made available globally for industrial decarbonization; Brazil will seek to contribute R$ 1 billion through hydrogen hubs.

• Call for international cooperation and collective mobilization of investments to accelerate energy transition.

• Partnership with the United States on energy transition.

• Brazil’s entry into the Carbon Management Challenge (CMC) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonize oil and gas operations and stimulate biofuels with negative net emissions.

• Reports delivered by the International Energy Agency on carbon accounting in biofuel production, critical for global harmonization of technical standards.

• Unprecedented joint declaration by CEM and MI members reaffirming the importance of these cooperation platforms for energy transition action.

• Brazil, alongside Australia and South Korea, assumed the vice-presidency of Mission Innovation, enhancing its global role in R&D and innovation for energy transition.

• Brazil joined the Urban Transitions Mission, engaging more municipalities in energy transition-related public policies.

• Brazil assumed co-presidency of the International Hydrogen Trade Forum, alongside the Netherlands.

G20 HEADS OF STATE IN RIO

On November 18, 2024, the results of G20 ETWG negotiations and commitments during Brazil’s presidency were incorporated into the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, issued at the close of the Rio de Janeiro summit.

In addition to endorsing principles of a fair and inclusive energy transition, another key outcome was recognition of the importance of national energy planning, capacity building, policy strategies, and legal frameworks, along with cooperation across levels of government to create investment-friendly environments.

World leaders also committed to accelerating efforts to ensure universal access to clean cooking by 2030 through enabling policies, financial support, and technology, with a focus on mobilizing resources for developing countries.

UN ENERGY PACT

The principles approved during the G20 ETWG meeting in Foz do Iguaçu were incorporated into the “UN Energy Pact for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition,” launched at COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan) on November 14, 2024.

The launch, organized by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), a UN-affiliated institution supporting SDG 7 implementation, invited countries, companies, and private associations to join the pact.

ROADMAP FOR CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENTS

Also at COP 29, the “Roadmap to Increase Investment in Clean Energy in Developing Countries” was launched on November 13, 2024, by Brazil’s G20 presidency, under the ETWG.

Developed with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and contributions from G20 members, invited countries, and international organizations, the initiative provides a structured plan to support green energy investments.

Brazil emphasized the need for expanded financing access for global energy transition and stronger commitments to overcome investment bottlenecks that jeopardize ambition.

The Roadmap supports governments, financiers, and civil society in this debate at a crucial moment when international negotiations are under close global scrutiny.

The launch gathered leaders from the financial and energy sectors, signaling broad support for the Roadmap and the urgency of coordinated action to meet rising clean energy demand in developing countries.

The Roadmap highlights the critical challenge: clean energy investments in developing countries must increase more than sixfold by 2035 to align with potential and global climate goals.

Recognizing that public financing alone cannot bridge the gap, it proposes a framework for attracting private capital and mobilizing international financing to build a resilient and sustainable clean energy ecosystem.

The initiative was praised by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol:

“I applaud Brazil for dedicating efforts to accelerate clean energy investments in developing economies during its G20 presidency. This is a crucial issue, and the IEA is pleased to have supported Brazil in this landmark report. We need stronger international support to remove barriers, reduce capital costs, and bring all economies into the clean energy future.”

With clear recommendations and timelines, the Roadmap seeks to reduce financing costs, encourage risk-sharing, and create the political and investment conditions necessary to unlock substantial clean energy capital flows.

Brazil’s progress—with about 90% of its electricity from renewable sources—serves as a model, showcasing the importance of stable financial structures, public-private partnerships, and enabling policies.

BRICS ENERGY IN BRASILIA

On May 19, 2025, under Brazil’s presidency, the 10th BRICS Energy Ministerial Meeting was held in Brasília, bringing together 11 countries that represent 39% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (the original members), along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, which joined in 2024.

The energy ministers and heads of delegation issued a Joint Communiqué reaffirming the member countries’ commitment to promoting fair, safe, inclusive, and sustainable energy transitions.

In a global context marked by multipolarity and growing climate urgency, the meeting recognized the shared responsibility of BRICS countries as major energy producers and consumers. The aim is to eradicate energy poverty, expand universal access to energy, and contribute to addressing climate change, while respecting national realities.

At the event in Brasília, the “BRICS Energy Cooperation Roadmap 2025–2030” was approved. This roadmap will guide joint efforts for the next five years, focusing on energy transition and advancing strategic issues in the energy sector.

Key points agreed in the Joint Communiqué included:

• Promotion of fair and orderly energy transitions, based on the principles of technological neutrality, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respect for national priorities. Support for energy diversification, including the expansion of low-carbon fuels, renewable energy, hydrogen, bioenergy, and nuclear technologies, as well as investments in energy efficiency.

• Strengthening cooperation in research and innovation, with emphasis on the activities of the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform (BRICS ERCP) and the implementation of the “BRICS Energy Cooperation Roadmap 2025–2030”.

• Commitment to financing the energy transition through access to concessional, predictable, and affordable resources, especially for developing countries, reiterating the prominent role of the New Development Bank (NDB).

• Emphasis on energy planning, institutional capacity building, and supply security, with mention of the creation of the Global Coalition for Energy Planning (GCEP).

• Engagement towards COP 30, to be held in Belém.

• Focus on combating energy poverty and expanding access to clean cooking, with support for solutions such as natural gas, biogas, and LPG, along with the promotion of decent employment in areas related to the energy transition.

• Criticism of unilateral sanctions and arbitrary restrictions that harm trade and investment in the energy sector, compromising the security and functioning of international energy markets.

• The results achieved by Brazil during its BRICS presidency in energy, coordinated by the MME, contributed to the Leaders’ Declaration signed during the summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 7, 2025.

GLOBAL COALITION IN RIO DE JANEIRO

On June 3, 2025, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) hosted the 1st Energy Planning Summit in Rio de Janeiro, marking the official launch of the Global Coalition for Energy Planning (GCEP). The initiative, a direct result of Brazil’s G20 presidency in 2024, represents a milestone in international cooperation to accelerate the transition to a clean, secure, and affordable energy matrix.

The Coalition was created to address the critical investment gap in the energy transition, especially in emerging markets and developing economies. Its main goal is to strengthen energy planning as a tool to attract investment, reduce risks, and accelerate the development of sustainable projects.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) serves as the platform’s secretariat, providing coordination and technical support. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera participated in the opening ceremony. The event brought together delegations from South America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and North America, as well as representatives of international organizations.

DOCUMENTS

Brazil’s Open Letter for a Fair and Inclusive Energy Transition, Centered on People

Principles for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions

Ministerial Outcome Statement

Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration