Brazil agrees to triple renewable energy as part of a global climate deal

Brazil has joined a potential agreement supported by the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the European Union to triple the amount of renewable energy produced globally by 2030 and move away from coal use, the country’s Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The largest country in South America is currently among the approximately 100 nations that have ratified the agreement, as per a European official with knowledge of the situation.

The aim is for the agreement to be formally ratified by world leaders who will be in Dubai starting next week for the COP28 climate talks.

In a letter to the Foreign Ministry of the United Arab Emirates, Brazil’s embassy in Abu Dhabi announced that it would be participating in the “Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Targets Pledge.”

Brazil’s decision to join the agreement was confirmed by a spokesman for the foreign ministry.

A significant player in renewable energy already exists in Brazil. Hydropower accounts for the majority of the nation’s electricity supply (more than 80%), with solar and wind energy also growing quickly.

According to a spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry, Brazil supports tripling renewable energy sources worldwide, but it is not feasible mathematically at home.

“Brazil won’t be able to triple its own renewable energy because it’s already very high, but Brazil is once again reinforcing its support for renewables,” he said.

“The phase down of unabated coal power,” which includes halting financing for new coal-fired power plants, is a commitment made in the draft renewable energy pledge.

Official statistics show that just over 1% of Brazil’s electricity comes from coal.

A commitment to double the global annual rate of energy efficiency improvement to 4% annually until 2030 is also included.