André Pepitone took part this Saturday (15th) in a panel hosted by JAQ Hidrogênio Verde/Grupo Náutica.
The financial director of Itaipu Binacional, André Pepitone, reaffirmed this Saturday (15th) the important role the plant has been playing in advancing the energy transition and addressing the climate crisis. Pepitone participated in the panel “Innovative solutions to address the climate crisis”, organized by JAQ Hidrogênio Verde/Grupo Náutica during COP30, in Belém, Pará.
The director emphasized that Itaipu, with its five decades of history and its role in supplying clean, renewable energy to about 10% of Brazil and nearly all of Paraguay, is much more than a power plant. “Itaipu is synonymous with integration and development. We lead solutions that strengthen Brazil’s energy sovereignty and drive innovation,” he stated.
Innovation and decarbonization in the Amazon
The panel illustrated the Binational’s commitment to decarbonization. Pepitone highlighted initiatives developed by Itaipu in partnership with Itaipu Parquetec, such as the 100% green hydrogen–powered boat, the synthetic oil produced from biogas generated at the plant itself, and the floating solar plant installed in the hydropower reservoir.
The director emphasized that these and other initiatives aimed at diversifying energy sources demonstrate Itaipu’s progressive and innovative vision, aligned with sustainability and decarbonization.
When asked about what legacy COP30 will leave, Pepitone said the conference should be a turning point for Brazil and the world, leaving behind concrete outcomes rather than just statements.
He listed three contributions he considers essential for the energy transition: Clear direction, with realistic yet ambitious climate targets; green financing and industrialization, since the energy transition must reach the real economy, with mechanisms and instruments that value low-carbon products; and institutional strengthening.
“Overall, the legacy of COP should be political, reinforcing global climate governance and promoting partnerships between governments, companies, universities, and international organizations. For Itaipu, the legacy of COP30 should be an energy transition that combines decarbonization with economic development,” he noted.
Continuous innovation and digitalization
Pepitone also discussed Itaipu’s ability to remain at the forefront, even as a 50-year-old plant. He explained that climate challenges require continuous innovation, responsible planning, and institutional leadership. “Itaipu remains ahead of its time because it understands very clearly and objectively that climate change demands permanent innovation, responsible planning, and institutional leadership.”
The technological modernization of the plant, including the migration from an analog to a digital system, was highlighted as one example of how the company seeks efficiency, longevity, and energy security for Brazil and Paraguay.
The director added that digitalization affects the electric sector both in high-voltage generation and transmission and, especially, in low-voltage distribution.
“Digitalization will make the grid smarter, providing data that will give consumers more control and information about their energy use and costs, transforming the citizen’s relationship with the electric sector.”
André Pepitone
About Itaipu Binacional
Itaipu Binacional is the world’s largest generator of clean and renewable energy, with a cumulative production exceeding 3.1 billion megawatt-hours. The company works in energy production and in the sustainable development of its area of influence, focusing on environmental conservation and technological innovation.
André Pepitone took part this Saturday (15th) in a panel hosted by JAQ Hidrogênio Verde/Grupo Náutica.
The financial director of Itaipu Binacional, André Pepitone, reaffirmed this Saturday (15th) the important role the plant has been playing in advancing the energy transition and addressing the climate crisis. Pepitone participated in the panel “Innovative solutions to address the climate crisis”, organized by JAQ Hidrogênio Verde/Grupo Náutica during COP30, in Belém, Pará.
The director emphasized that Itaipu, with its five decades of history and its role in supplying clean, renewable energy to about 10% of Brazil and nearly all of Paraguay, is much more than a power plant. “Itaipu is synonymous with integration and development. We lead solutions that strengthen Brazil’s energy sovereignty and drive innovation,” he stated.
Innovation and decarbonization in the Amazon
The panel illustrated the Binational’s commitment to decarbonization. Pepitone highlighted initiatives developed by Itaipu in partnership with Itaipu Parquetec, such as the 100% green hydrogen–powered boat, the synthetic oil produced from biogas generated at the plant itself, and the floating solar plant installed in the hydropower reservoir.
The director emphasized that these and other initiatives aimed at diversifying energy sources demonstrate Itaipu’s progressive and innovative vision, aligned with sustainability and decarbonization.
When asked about what legacy COP30 will leave, Pepitone said the conference should be a turning point for Brazil and the world, leaving behind concrete outcomes rather than just statements.
He listed three contributions he considers essential for the energy transition: Clear direction, with realistic yet ambitious climate targets; green financing and industrialization, since the energy transition must reach the real economy, with mechanisms and instruments that value low-carbon products; and institutional strengthening.
“Overall, the legacy of COP should be political, reinforcing global climate governance and promoting partnerships between governments, companies, universities, and international organizations. For Itaipu, the legacy of COP30 should be an energy transition that combines decarbonization with economic development,” he noted.
Continuous innovation and digitalization
Pepitone also discussed Itaipu’s ability to remain at the forefront, even as a 50-year-old plant. He explained that climate challenges require continuous innovation, responsible planning, and institutional leadership. “Itaipu remains ahead of its time because it understands very clearly and objectively that climate change demands permanent innovation, responsible planning, and institutional leadership.”
The technological modernization of the plant, including the migration from an analog to a digital system, was highlighted as one example of how the company seeks efficiency, longevity, and energy security for Brazil and Paraguay.
The director added that digitalization affects the electric sector both in high-voltage generation and transmission and, especially, in low-voltage distribution. “Digitalization will make the grid smarter, providing data that will give consumers more control and information about their energy use and costs, transforming the citizen’s relationship with the electric sector.”
About Itaipu Binacional
COP30: Itaipu’s financial director advocates for an energy transition driven by innovation and development
Itaipu Binacional is the world’s largest generator of clean and renewable energy, with a cumulative production exceeding 3.1 billion megawatt-hours. The company works in energy production and in the sustainable development of its area of influence, focusing on environmental conservation and technological innovation.
