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Obstacles to the Evolution of Renewable Energies in Brazil
The dissemination of false information about renewable energies, such as solar energy, hydropower, biodiesel, biogas, and biomethane, has emerged as a significant obstacle to the growth of these sectors. This issue was discussed during the closing of the XI Energy Seminar, held by Sindenergia/MT at the Federation of Industries of Mato Grosso (Fiemt), from May 8 to 10.
In the video below, a brief overview of the event on the Fiemt YouTube channel
Fake News and Its Consequences for Each Sector
Fake news has specific characteristics in each sector. In the biodiesel context, for example, fake news associates the biofuel with problems in diesel engines and equipment.
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Saudi Arabia is building in Oxagon a US$ 8.4 billion mega green hydrogen plant with 4 GW of solar and wind energy, 5.6 million solar panels, and capacity to produce 600 tons per day, transforming the desert into one of the planet’s largest clean fuel factories.
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Germany and Denmark will transform Bornholm into a Baltic power island, connecting 3 GW of offshore wind power to the grids of the two countries via submarine cables and turning a real island into an international energy hub.
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Brazil discovers natural hydrogen in four states and enters the silent race that could redraw the energy transition: Petrobras has already invested R$ 20 million in studies.
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A BRICS country surprises the world, doubles electricity generation in just 7 years, nears 9,800 MW, and becomes one of Africa’s new bets in renewable energy.
Regarding solar energy, the dissemination of erroneous information about constant maintenance, functionality on cloudy or rainy days, or even the notion that it is a system only for rich people has hindered the expansion of this energy source. Small Hydroelectric Plants (PCHs) are mistakenly pointed out as subsidized.
Unity of Renewable Sectors to Demystify Fake News
During the event, participants identified a common need: to combat the fake news that harms the renewable energy sectors. According to the president of the Council of the Brazilian Association of Small Hydroelectric Plants (ABRAPCH), Paulo Arbex, the root of the problems lies far from the efficiency of renewable sources. “Brazil is one of the few countries in the world that could smoothly make the definitive transition to 100% renewables even at a lower cost than the current fossil sources,” declared Arbex.
Arbex also pointed to the need to reduce bureaucracy and create greater synergy among renewable energy sectors. He argued that the largest subsidies today are aimed at fossil fuels, amounting to R$ 123 billion a year. Renewable energy in Brazil, according to him, is cheaper than fossil, but the rules of the electric sector allow contracting fossil thermoelectric plants at R$ 2,500, while they do not permit contracting 100% Brazilian PCHs with lower carbon footprints at R$ 300.
To combat fake news and bring more synergy to the energy market, it is necessary to unite the strengths of all generating sources in the country, stressed the president of Sindenergia and organizer of the event, Tiago Vianna Arruda. The creation of a Working Group (GT) with Fiemt and unions involved with renewable energy was proposed, seeking solutions to the problem of false news in the sector.
Together Against Fake News: Joint Action of Renewable Energy Sectors
The vice president of Fiemt, Rodrigo Guerra, emphasized that the entity is a partner in this fight for the truth about the sector. He acknowledged the challenges, given the novelty of the renewable energy sector and the number of adversaries. Guerra highlighted the need to join forces to advance as a block, and pointed out Fiemt as a partner in this progress.
“When we unite all sources – solar, PCHs, biogas, biomethane, biodiesel – we will achieve a safer electric system and lower prices in the medium and long term for consumers,” pointed out Arruda.
The president of Sindibio, Rômulo Morandin, emphasized the urgency of combating fake news and suggested creating a document to be sent to national associations, as well as working with the State.
The Future of Renewable Energies: Combating Fake News and Sustainable Growth
Facing fake news is essential to ensure the sustainable growth of renewable energies in Brazil. Awareness of the efficiency and accessibility of renewable sources, combined with the fight against false information, will be decisive for consolidating the sector and enabling the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix.
The unification of renewable energy sectors in a joint effort to combat fake news demonstrates the importance of an integrated and collaborative approach to overcoming the challenges in the sector. The future of energy in Brazil undoubtedly lies in expanding renewable sources and demystifying the false information surrounding these sectors.
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