Last Tuesday (18), Brazil announced its accession to OPEC+, a group that brings together countries allied with OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries). The decision was made official by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, after a meeting of the CNPE (National Energy Policy Council).
“Brazil was invited to join the cooperation charter. Today we discussed our entry into three international organizations: EIA (Energy Information Administration), IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) and OPEC+. We have begun the process of joining all of them,” said Silveira.
The decision, however, generated criticism from environmentalists and associations in the renewable energy sector, who consider the measure contradictory, especially given that Brazil will host COP 30 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Belém (PA) at the end of this year.
Faced with the negative repercussions, Silveira downplayed the criticism and mocked the questions. “I am also an environmentalist, perhaps even more so than they are. I want to understand what is behind this argument that it is a contradiction to participate in a forum that discusses energy transition,” the minister replied.
INEL criticizes decision
Heber Galarce, president of INEL (National Institute of Clean Energy) stated that the decision taken represents a “serious setback” in the country’s environmental policies.
“At a time when the world is advancing in the energy transition and seeking to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, joining a cartel that aims to expand oil production and consumption is a choice that puts Brazil on the wrong side of history and sustainable development,” he said.
The executive reinforced that joining OPEC not only weakens national efforts to reduce carbon emissions, but also sends a contradictory signal to the market and society, since while Brazil presents itself as a powerhouse in renewable energy – with a clean energy matrix, driven by hydroelectric, wind and solar power – it chooses to align itself with the interests of expanding fossil fuels, which are mainly responsible for global warming.
“It is important to highlight that Brazil has immense potential to lead the global energy transition, developing clean technologies, generating green jobs and attracting sustainable investments. However, joining OPEC could divert focus from essential policies for the decarbonization of the economy, in addition to compromising the country's credibility before international investors attentive to the ESG (environmental, social and governance) agenda,” said Galarce.
Finally, the president of INEL said that the ideal would be for the government to reconsider the decision and reaffirm Brazil's commitment to sustainable development. “The future of the planet demands responsible leadership aligned with the principles of a fair and inclusive energy transition,” he stressed.
What is OPEC+?
Created in 1960, OPEC brings together 13 of the world's largest oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
The group is made up of allied countries that, although they are not full members, participate in negotiations and collaborate in regulating production and defining policies for the sector.
The Brazilian government considers joining the group a strategy to expand its global influence in the energy sector and strengthen its participation in debates on the energy transition within the bloc.
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