A group of senior executives from the most important corporations operating in Brazil decided to look to the future and carried out two major studies on the energy issue. This is the CEBDS (Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development) Leaders Council. The documents Renewable Energy Financing: Obstacles, Challenges and Opportunities It is Efficient Consumption of Electric Energy: An Agenda for Brazil will be presented at an open and free event on May 5. At the same time, the studies will also be presented to public authorities from different spheres.

The two issues are considered strategic by the production sector for the resumption of competitiveness and for the construction of a sustainable development model in the country. “It is impossible to ignore that climate issues will directly affect political and economic decision-making. Therefore, both studies are already aligned with the national commitments made in the Paris Agreement”, explains the president of CEBDS, Marina Grossi. They analyze opportunities and challenges of the current situation regarding the efficient use of energy and the diversification of alternative renewable sources, in addition to pointing out practical measures for progress. These are complex issues that will cause profound changes, including market changes, in the near future. “The Council of Leaders anticipated the analysis of some of these challenges and wants to share its vision of the future with the government and society. Only with a well-consolidated social pact will the country be able to move towards a sustainable, competitive and socially fair economy”, adds Marina.

In the commitment made in the Paris Agreement, Brazil proposes to achieve a share of 23% of renewable alternative energy sources in the electricity matrix (such as wind and photovoltaic) and to promote energy conservation in the order of 10% by 2030. To date, however, there is no action foreseen in the government's Multi-Year Plan (PPA) and difficulties persist, such as the dependence on public financing for alternative energy projects, the strong perception of risk among investors and the lack of visibility of investments and net gains resulting from greater efficiency.

The studies of the Council of Leaders address these and other issues, offering alternatives that, if adopted by the government, will gain scale to bring Brazil into line with sustainable development and the global moment. Among its objectives are:

• identify Brazil’s potential for conserving electrical energy;
• design energy conservation scenarios until 2030, based on the INDC electrical efficiency target (Brazil's commitments in the Paris Agreement) and simulation of the operation of the National Interconnected System (SIN);
• detect the main barriers to the use of available conservation potential;
• propose measures to overcome the barriers that currently exist and achieve the energy conservation levels established in the simulated scenarios;
• assess the investment required to implement this agenda and the alternatives for raising funds;
• map the factors that still inhibit investment in alternative renewable energy generation, such as small hydroelectric plants, wind and photovoltaic energy;
• list financial, regulatory and market solutions to reduce investment risks in alternative energy generation.

The presentation event will take place in Rio de Janeiro and will be open to journalists. There will also be online coverage for professionals from other locations, who will be able to send their questions in real time to the exhibitors. In addition to the studies on energy, CEBDS will give a preview of a third study in progress, addressing the issue of mobility.

Prior accreditation with the press office is required.

To access the full event schedule click here.