Introduction
Decarbonization has become a global imperative in the fight against climate change. With increasing environmental concerns and international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, several countries and companies are investing in innovative technologies to minimize carbon footprint.
Main decarbonization technologies
1. Renewable energy
Solar energy
Brazil has excelled worldwide in the implementation of solar technologies. The country has extremely favorable geographical conditions, with high solar incidence in several regions. Solar plants in states like Bahia, Piauí and Pernambuco have significantly expanded the capacity for clean energy generation.
Wind
The Brazilian Northeast Region leads investments in wind energy, with parks in states like Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará. Modern wind turbine technologies allow for greater efficiency and less environmental impact.
2. Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Carbon capture and storage technology (CCS) involves capturing CO₂ emitted by industrial sources and its subsequent storage in underground geological formations. Globally, There are about 45 commercial facilities of capture in operation, with an annual capacity of more than 50 Millions of tons of co₂.
No brazil, Federal Law No. 14.993/2024 established a regulatory framework for CC activities, providing greater clarity and legal certainty for the development of these technologies. A Petrobras, for example, Leads CC projects in the pre-salt, being responsible for the largest world project of this type, that involves the separation of CO₂ from natural gas and its re-injection in the reservoirs.
3. Green hydrogen
Green Hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis using renewable energy sources, It is a promising alternative to decarbonize sectors such as transportation and industry. No brazil, Evo Hydrogen has developed an innovative resonance electrolysis system, that consumes less energy and eliminates the use of dangerous chemicals, reducing CO₂ emissions to up to 95%.
4. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)
BECCs technology combines power generation from biomass with the capture and storage of CO₂ emitted, resulting in negative emissions. Although still in early stage, BECCs is considered essential to achieve climate goals set in the Paris Agreement.
5. Direct air capture (DAC)
The direct capture of air (DAC) It is an emerging technology that removes CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. Swiss company climeworks opened the world's largest DAC plant in Iceland, captured 36.000 tons of co₂ per year, using geothermal energy to feed the process.
6. Innovative industrial technologies
Several technologies are being developed to reduce industrial emissions. Between them, Membrane separation stands out, Calcium looping and eletroswing adsorption, that can reduce the costs of capturing CO₂ by more than 50% For some applications.
7. Decarbonization in the transportation sector
In the transportation sector, technologies such as electric and hybrid vehicles are gaining space. No brazil, Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) supplied with ethanol and more electrical autonomy can reduce emissions by up to 72%.
8. Corporate initiatives
Companies around the world are investing in decarbonization technologies. A United Airlines, for example, established partnerships to develop sustainable aviation fuels (PURE) and carbon capture technologies, in order to reach zero net emissions to 2050.
Challenges and opportunities
Technological barriers
- High initial implementation cost
- Need for specialized infrastructure
- Technical storage limitations
Investment opportunities
- Development of National Technologies
- Green job generation
- Carbon emissions reduction
International Decrobonization Initiatives
European Union
The European Union is a world reference in decarbonization policies. Through the European Ecological Pact (European Green Deal), established the goal of reaching climate neutrality until 2050, with reduction of emissions in at least 55% until 2030 in relation to the levels of 1990. The block implements a robust emission trade system (EU ETS), regulates land use with rigorous sustainability criteria and requires standard carbon footprint reports for imported products, as part of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
USA
With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) approved in 2022, the US started one of the largest climate investment packages in history, totaling more than US$ 369 billion in incentives for clean technologies. IRA promotes from renewable energy production and green hydrogen to electrification of vehicles and carbon tax incentives (CCS). The country seeks to reduce its emissions in 50% until 2030 and achieve neutrality until 2050.
China
Responsible for more than 30% of global emissions, China has been standing out as the worldwide worldwide investor in renewable energy technologies, Leading global expansion in solar and wind capacity. With goals peak emissions upon 2030 e carbon neutrality to 2060, The country invests strongly in smart networks, energy storage, hydrogen and decarbonization of the heavy industry, like steel and cement.
Emerging technologies for decarbonization
1. Bioeconomia
Bioeconomics aims to replace fossil resources with renewable biological resources. Among the highlighted innovations are the Second generation biofuels (produced from agricultural waste and lignocellulose), O carbon capture corn ethanol, in addition to bioplastics and biomaterials that reduce carbon footprint in sectors such as packaging and construction. Brazil, with its agricultural potential, is one of the protagonists in this transition.
2. Total Electrification
Electrification of carbon intensive sectors is an essential strategy. No transport, a replacement of fossil fuels powered by electric vehicles (VEs), combined with the expansion of the recharge infrastructure and renewable sources, It is a priority in several countries. In industry and buildings, Systems of Electric heating by heat pumps, Green Electrolysis and Electrification of thermal industrial processes also gain strength.
3. Low -carbon agriculture
Agriculture is responsible for most methane emissions and nitrous oxide. The techniques of low -carbon agriculture include:
- No -tillage and crop rotation, that increase carbon sequestration in the soil.
- Efficient use of nitrogen fertilizers, reducing.
- Lavoura-livestock-forest integration (ILPF), promoting biodiversity and recovery of degraded pastures.
- Bioinsumos e Biological Nitrogen Fixation, replacing synthetic inputs.
These technologies are considered indispensable to comply with climate commitments in the agricultural sector and improve the resilience of productive systems in the face of climate change.
Decarbonization is not just an environmental necessity, But an economic opportunity. Brazil, with its most clean energy matrix, It is well positioned to lead this global transformation.
Future perspectives
It is expected that in the coming years:
- Clean technologies costs continue to decrease
- Public and private investments increase
- Environmental regulations become more rigorous
Conclusion
Decarbonization is a complex challenge that requires the implementation of various effective technologies and public policies. Brazil, with its clean energy matrix and innovative initiatives, has the potential to lead this transition. Nonetheless, It is essential to continue investing in research, development and regulation to overcome obstacles and achieve global climate goals.
If you are interested in the technologies and solutions that are shaping the sustainable future of Brazil and the world, We invite you to exploit more exclusive content about decarbonization in our blog. There, You will find in -depth analysis, success cases and updates on innovations that are transforming the environmental scenario. And if you want to understand how to apply these strategies to the reality of your company or project, Talk to one of our specialized consultants - we are ready to help your organization take the next step towards carbon neutrality.
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