IBEM 2026 began this Tuesday (24) at the Salvador Convention Center, bringing together leaders, specialists, and company representatives to discuss the direction of the energy sector in Brazil and worldwide. The first day's program was marked by strategic debates on energy security, matrix transition, and the role of renewable energies in the global scenario.

The event reinforces Bahia’s leadership in the context of the energy transition, hosting discussions that go beyond the national scope and are directly connected to global sector agendas.

TN Bulletin – iBEM 2026 Day 1

Salvador as a starting point for the global debate

The program opened with a welcome ceremony, bringing together authorities and leaders from the energy sector. The opening highlighted Salvador’s role as the host of one of the industry's main gatherings.

The event’s creator, Nicolás Honorato, emphasized the importance of holding the meeting in the capital of Bahia and the global reach of the discussions. “Today we begin the second edition of IBEM in Salvador, Bahia, an event focused on integration, diversification, and especially energy security. The meeting brings together the leading names in the energy sector from Brazil and around the world to discuss the future of energy,” he said.

During the opening, Salvador’s Municipal Secretary of Economic Development, Employment and Income, Mila Paes, also highlighted the city’s role in the context of the energy transition. “Talking about energy in the city of Salvador, the capital of Bahia—which is one of the states with the strongest energy transition matrix—I think is more than important; it transcends importance. I believe we are talking about looking to the future and positioning Salvador as a starting point, as a protagonist in this construction that today is neither local nor national, but global,” she stated.

Opening lecture highlights challenges of the energy transition

The event’s opening lecture provided an analysis of the challenges of the energy transition and the need to ensure security in the sector amid ongoing transformations.

Consultant and cofounder of MDT Energia, Marcos Meireles, delivered the opening lecture and highlighted his satisfaction in participating once again in the meeting. “Very pleased to be here, in another edition of IBEM, speaking about the challenges of the energy transition, understanding and explaining a bit about global trends in the energy and electricity markets,” he said.

The presentation also addressed Brazil’s specific characteristics and how they influence the country’s energy transition process, highlighting both opportunities and challenges within this context.

Energy security and biofuels under debate

Throughout the day, the thematic panels explored the relationship between energy transition and sector security. One of the highlights was the panel on energy security from the operators' perspective, which brought together representatives from different market segments.

The managing partner of Impacto Bioenergia, Manoel Carnaúba, participated in the panel and presented a biofuels project based on a biorefinery with multiple production fronts. “We discussed energy transition and security in this sector. We presented a biofuels project—a biorefinery, in fact—where we will produce, in addition to ethanol, renewable diesel, renewable fertilizers, and specifically ammonia,” he explained.

The project also includes the production of methanol for maritime transport and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel). “Methanol will be used as maritime fuel, and SAF as renewable aviation fuel,” he added.

The discussions highlighted the role of innovation and energy diversification as pillars for ensuring an efficient, secure transition aligned with global demands.

Program continues with special coverage

IBEM 2026 continues this Wednesday and Thursday, March 25 and 26, with an intensive program featuring new debates, panels, and meetings with specialists from the energy sector.

Full coverage of the event can be followed on TN’s channels, with special highlights from TN Conecta interviews on YouTube, offering analyses, behind-the-scenes insights, and the main highlights directly from the event in Salvador.