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Obstacles to the Evolution of Renewable Energy in Brazil
The dissemination of false information about renewable energies, such as solar energy, hydroelectric power, biodiesel, biogas and biomethane, has been a significant obstacle to the growth of these sectors. This problem was discussed during the closing of the XI Seminar on Energy, held by Sindenergia/MT at the Federation of Industries of Mato Grosso (Fiemt), from May 8th to 10th.
In the video below, a brief summary of the event on Fiemt's YouTube channel
Fake News and its Consequences for Each Sector
Fake news has specific characteristics in each sector. In the context of biodiesel, for example, fake news associates biofuel with problems in diesel engines and equipment.
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With regard to solar energy, the dissemination of erroneous information regarding constant maintenance, functionality on cloudy or rainy days, or even the idea that it is a system only for rich people, has hindered the expansion of this energy source. The Small Hydroelectric Power Plants (PCHs) are mistakenly identified as subsidized.
Union of Renewable Sectors to Demystify Fake News
During the event, participants identified a common need: to combat fake news that harm the renewable energy sectors. According to the chairman of the Board of the Brazilian Association of Small Hydroelectric Plants (ABRAPCH), Paulo Arbex, the root of the problems is far from the efficiency of renewable sources. “Brazil is one of the few countries in the world that would calmly make the definitive transition to 100% renewables even at a lower cost than the current fossil fuels”, declared Arbex.
Arbex also pointed to the need to reduce bureaucracy and create greater synergy between renewable energy sectors. He argued that the biggest subsidies are currently earmarked for fossil fuels, reaching R$ 123 billion per year. Renewable energy in Brazil, according to him, is cheaper than fossil energy, but the electricity sector rules allow contracting fossil thermoelectric plants at R$ 2.500 reais, but do not allow contracting 100% Brazilian PCHs with less carbon footprint at R$ 300.
To combat fake news and bring more synergy to the energy market, it is necessary to unite the forces 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 (WG) with Fiemt and the unions involved with renewable energy was proposed, seeking solutions to the problem of false news in the sector.
Together Against Fake News: Joint Action by the Renewable Energy Sectors
Fiemt's vice-president, Rodrigo Guerra, stressed that the organization is a partner in this fight for the truth about the sector. He acknowledged the challenges, given the newness of the renewable energy sector and the number of competitors. Guerra highlighted the need to join forces to advance as a block and highlighted Fiemt as a partner in this advance.
“When we unite all sources – solar, PCHs, biogas, biomethane, biodiesel – we will be able to achieve a safer electrical 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 the creation of a document to be forwarded to national associations, in addition to working with the State.
The Future of Renewable Energy: Fighting Fake News and Sustainable Growth
Facing fake news is essential to ensure the sustainable growth of renewable energies in Brazil. Raising awareness about the efficiency and accessibility of renewable sources, combined with the fight against false information, will be decisive in consolidating the sector and allowing the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix.
Bringing the renewable energy sectors together in a concerted effort to combat fake news demonstrates the importance of an integrated and collaborative approach to overcoming the sector's challenges. The future of energy in Brazil undoubtedly involves the expansion of renewable sources and the demystification of false information surrounding these sectors.
