The energy transition, the process of gradually replacing fossil energy sources with renewable and sustainable alternatives, is one of today's greatest global challenges. This transformation seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, expand energy efficiency, and promote a more resilient and accessible energy system. In Brazil, the topic is gaining relevance due to the country's strategic role in renewable energy. However, many doubts about benefits and effectiveness still surround the issue.

Here are some true or false about the energy transition:

The energy transition is just about exchanging fossil fuels for renewable ones.

False. Although the replacement of fossil fuels is a pillar of the energy transition, it also involves changes in energy production, distribution, and consumption models. As an example, the modernization of electrical grids (such as the use of smart grids) and new technologies for storing and transporting energy, such as green hydrogen and advanced batteries.

The energy transition has been going on since the 19th century.

True. In the 19th century, during the Industrial Revolution, coal replaced firewood and soon after, in the 20th century, it was replaced by oil. Now is the time for renewable energies to succeed oil, but this time, the urgency of a transition is even greater, as the need to protect the planet against global warming increases significantly.

Even with a clean energy matrix, Brazil has not yet completed its energy transition.

True. The Brazilian energy matrix is one of the cleanest in the world, with emphasis on hydraulic energy and the use of biofuels. However, there are still significant challenges, such as the dependence on thermoelectric plants during dry periods, the increase in demand for electricity, and the need to expand sources such as solar and wind. The transition in the country is a continuous and necessary process to ensure long-term sustainability.

Renewable energies are no more expensive than fossil fuels.

True. The cost of technologies such as solar and wind energy has fallen dramatically in recent decades, making them more competitive or even cheaper than fossil fuels in many cases. In addition, renewable energies offer environmental and social benefits that are not counted in the direct costs of fossils.

The energy transition does not benefit emerging countries.

False. Emerging countries, such as Brazil, have a lot to gain from the energy transition. Investing in renewables creates local jobs, reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports, and increases energy resilience. In Brazil, natural conditions are extremely favorable, especially for solar, wind and biomass, placing the country in a strategic position on the global stage.

It is possible to carry out the energy transition without public policies.

False. The energy transition depends on solid public policies to regulate, encourage, and finance structural changes. Grants, renewable energy auctions, carbon emissions regulations, and research incentives are essential to enable this transition. In Brazil, programs such as Proinfa (Incentive Program for Alternative Electricity Sources) and RenovaBio, the National Biofuel Policy, established by Law No. 13,576/2017, demonstrate the crucial role of public policies in the advancement of the sector.

The energy transition is the solution to all environmental problems.

False. And while the energy transition is vital to mitigate climate change, it doesn't solve all environmental problems. It is necessary to address issues such as deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation in parallel. In Brazil, for example, the expansion of bioenergy must be balanced with sustainable practices to avoid adverse environmental impacts.

The energy transition is beneficial to economic development.

True. Far from being an obstacle, the energy transition can boost global economic development. The expansion of sectors such as solar and wind energy creates jobs, attracts investment, and promotes technological innovation. In Brazil, the renewable energy sector is estimated to employ more people than the oil and gas industries in the future.

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• Energy Transition