The meeting was promoted by Itaipu Parquetec during CEM15/MI-9, in parallel with the meeting of G20
Last Tuesday (1st), Itaipu Parquetec organized the panel “Foz do Iguaçu: How the ecosystem has developed actions that stimulate and accelerate the energy transition in Brazil”, during the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and Mission Innovation (MI), global events that bring together leaders to discuss the future of the energy transition. Held at the Mabu Thermas Hotel, in Foz do Iguaçu, the meeting addressed local and regional contributions to the promotion of clean and sustainable energy.
Participating in the debate were the Director of Coordination of Itaipu Binacional, Carlos Carboni; the Director of Technologies of Itaipu Parquetec, Alexandre Leite; the Director of Technological Development of CIBiogás, Felipe Marques; and the Vice-Coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy and Sustainability at Unila, Janine Padilha Botton. The mediation was carried out by Clerione Herther, Administrative-Financial Director of Itaipu Parquetec.
Particularly noteworthy were joint actions between the public sector, academia and research institutions. The panel explored how the Foz do Iguaçu innovation ecosystem, driven by Itaipu Parquetec, CIBiogás and Unila, is creating practical solutions to the challenge of the energy transition. With an approach that integrates sustainability, technological innovation and regional development, the panelists shared success stories and strategies to accelerate the use of renewable sources in Brazil, such as solar energy, wind energy, biomass and the emerging potential of renewable hydrogen.
Carlos Carboni reaffirmed Itaipu’s mission to promote clean energy and spoke about how the company is expanding its operations beyond hydroelectric generation, investing in new forms of renewable energy and collaborating with the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
Photo: Kiko Cierich/Itaipu Binacional.
Alexandre Leite emphasized the technological innovations developed at Itaipu Parquetec, which are directly contributing to decarbonization, a central goal for the energy transition. He also highlighted the strategic role of the Technology Park as a connector for Foz do Iguaçu’s innovation initiatives.
Felipe Marques highlighted the importance of biogas and other alternative sources to ensure Brazil’s energy stability and competitiveness on the global stage. He mentioned biogas as a promising source for the production of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), expanding opportunities for decarbonization in the aviation sector.
At the end, the panelists highlighted the importance of strengthening the city’s innovation ecosystem and validating the impacts generated by its coordinated actions. Foz do Iguaçu has established itself as a reference hub for companies seeking to invest in renewable energy, offering an environment conducive to the development of technological solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment.
Emerging countries
During the discussions, one of the issues addressed was the challenge of emerging countries in attracting the investments needed for a low-carbon economy. Although these countries account for only 10% of global wealth, they represent 40% of the demand for investments in clean energy. The panelists discussed ways to mitigate this disparity and attract more capital for sustainable initiatives in Brazil.
The panel reinforced the role of Foz do Iguaçu as a model for other Brazilian cities, demonstrating how cooperation between companies, academia and society can drive the energy transition and attract international investments.
The support from Itaipu and Itaipu Parquetec for events that discuss energy transition and renewable energy is linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
