The Energy of Multipotentiality: Energisa and MIT Technology Review Launch Series on Energy Transition and a Sustainable Future

The Energy Tech series begins with reflections from Energisa CEO Ricardo Botelho on the paths and challenges of global energy transformation.

Throughout the year, Juntos will present a special series of reports inspired by articles born from the partnership between Grupo Energisa and the MIT Technology Review—a publication from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with 125 years of tradition and a strong reputation for producing analyses that bring fresh perspectives on technology and its social, political, and economic impacts.

As part of the collaboration with MIT, a qualitative survey was conducted with Energisa’s top executives to define the company’s positioning as an Energy Tech.

As it has done for 120 years, the Group will lead discussions that promote innovation and the development of both the energy sector and the country, based on a core principle: we are flexible and multipotential—prepared to operate across multiple energy fronts, adapting to changes and delivering solutions without losing our identity.

The series will also feature insights from MIT experts, covering topics such as the energy transition tailored to Brazil’s reality, democratizing access to energy, and the application of innovation and technology in the energy sector, among others.

Launching the Series
The first article features Energisa Group CEO Ricardo Botelho, alongside Daniel Yergin, one of the world’s most influential energy analysts. The text offers a realistic analysis of the current energy transition landscape and the pathways to making it viable.

Energy Addition and the Illusion of Complete Substitution
According to Ricardo Botelho, the term “transition” often implies an oversimplified notion. Instead of a direct swap from fossil fuels to renewables, what is actually occurring is energy addition. New sources such as solar, wind, and biomass are being integrated into the energy mix, but without significantly displacing oil, coal, and gas.

This combination creates a diverse energy mosaic, but also highlights the magnitude of the challenge. Historically, structural changes in the energy matrix have taken over a century to solidify. Expecting this shift to happen in just 25 years, he argues, is overly optimistic.

Even with the strong growth of renewables—which expanded by 6% in 2023 according to the International Energy Agency—the global energy mix remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. And while the transition is essential, it requires far more than just new technologies.

The Cost and Risks of the Transition
Beyond technical barriers, the article points to economic, social, and geopolitical challenges that complicate the process. To make the energy transformation viable, global investment on the order of $6 to $8 trillion per year will be necessary—equivalent to 5% of global GDP. This investment is required not only to expand clean generation infrastructure but also to modernize grids, develop new business models, and adapt transportation and industrial systems.

Another concern is critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and copper—essential for battery and solar panel production. Currently, the supply chain for these materials is concentrated in a few countries, posing both geopolitical and logistical risks. Strategic control or scarcity of these resources could threaten the energy security of many nations.

Brazil at the Heart of the Transformation
Given these challenges, Brazil stands out in the article as one of the most strategically positioned nations to lead the new energy era. Today, around 50% of Brazil’s electricity matrix already comes from renewable sources—thanks to the dominance of hydropower, the growth of distributed solar generation (which has surpassed 42 GW), and the expansion of wind energy, particularly in the Northeast, which holds 85% of the country’s installed wind capacity.

Brazil is also a benchmark in biofuels such as ethanol and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and has a well-established biomass production chain. These factors help enhance energy security and foster circular development models.

Another strategic asset is oil and gas. Brazil’s offshore production is among the most efficient in the world, with high productivity and low costs.

Opportunity and Responsibility
Despite this competitive edge, Ricardo warns of obstacles that still hinder Brazil’s progress. A key one is the tariff model, characterized by subsidies and charges that increase electricity costs. According to him, a deep reform of this system is urgently needed for Brazil to consolidate its leadership as a provider of clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

The article invites reflection on Brazil’s role at a time when the world is searching for solutions to the climate emergency and energy security challenges. And it shows that although technology is a crucial factor, a coordinated effort among governments, the private sector, and society will be necessary to address the complexities of the transition.

Read the Full Article
The full article is available on the MIT portal. It is highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of the energy dilemmas of the 21st century and Brazil’s potential role in shaping this landscape.

Read the full article.