Itaipu Binacional defended, this Wednesday afternoon (9), at the World Climate Conference (COP 27), the adoption of solutions based on nature to face climate change. The company participated in a debate on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions in support of climate and biodiversity goals, through innovation and clean technologies.

The event, which is part of the official program of COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheik (Egypt), took place at the ODS (Sustainable Development Goals) Pavilion of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Undesa), and was attended by organizations from Spain, Jordan, Kenya, Brazil and Paraguay.

According to Itaipu's Environmental Management superintendent, Ariel Scheffer da Silva, the company applies the concept of nature-based solutions, promoting forest restoration, recovery of springs, biodiversity conservation and other actions that protect ecosystem services for the multiple uses of water. (such as power generation, supply, agriculture, tourism and wildlife maintenance).

The more than 100,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest that protect the reservoir work as a green structure that helps to mitigate the impacts of climate events, which makes this an example of climate resilience to be shared with COP participants. “To this are added environmental education and the engagement of society, which generates long-term results, and technological innovation for data analysis, so that these actions are effective and lasting, something that is essential for facing climate change. ”, said the superintendent.

Ariel Scheffer's speech was complemented by colleagues from Paraguay, counselor María Antonia Gwynn and climatologist Sergio Méndez, who addressed the role of hydroelectricity as a stable, low-emissions energy source, adaptation measures to increase the plant's productivity during 2020 and 2021 water crisis, and permanent monitoring of the Paraná River to protect the plant and surrounding communities.

Undesa's Sustainable Energy leader, Minoru Takada, opened the event by highlighting the role of the Global Network for Sustainable Solutions in Water and Energy, an initiative that has Itaipu and Undesa among the founding institutions, in the dissemination of good practices related to the 2030 Agenda. of Sustainable Development, especially SDGs 6 (water) and 7 (energy). “The network is growing, but we have to do more and empower people and organizations to face climate change”.

The debate was attended by the special secretary for Social Articulation of the Secretary of Government of Brazil, Marcos de Araújo, who addressed the Brazilian energy matrix, one of the most predominant of renewable sources in the world, and the country's efforts to advance accessibility to energy services, with rural electrification programs and in remote areas. The secretary also highlighted the potential for investments in wind energy of more than 100 gigawatts (onshore) and 700 gigawatts (at sea).

Pascual Fernández, CEO of the Canal de Isabel II sanitation company, which supplies the Community of Madrid, emphasized the interrelationships between water and energy (sanitation processes are quite electro-intensive). For this reason, the company has spared no efforts to expand its own generation from renewable sources. In 2021, it produced 87% of the electricity it consumes. And it intends to expand this generation from investments in green hydrogen.

Investment in new sources was also the keynote of the other participants, who pointed out that the growing contribution of resources tends to make these sources cheaper and more accessible, in addition to benefiting the population with the generation of green jobs linked to new technologies and processes. “Climate change and the green agenda are not only topics that interest ministries of the environment, but also of finance and economy, because of the positive impact they can have on countries,” said Shada El-Sharif, Senior Advisor for Climate Change and Jordanian government sustainability.

Schedule

Itaipu's participation in COP 27 continues this Thursday (10th) with two panels at the Brazil Pavilion (Blue Zone): at 11 am, the theme is “Brazil and the Sustainable Development Goals: contributions to SDGs 6, 7 and 13"; and at 4 pm, “Sources of Renewable Energy”. Both events are broadcast live on the Ministry of the Environment's YouTube channel.

On Monday (14), Itaipu is one of the organizers and panelists of the event “Nexus solutions for climate-resilient water, energy, food and environment security: lessons learned from the ground”, at 12:00 in the Water Pavilion (Blue Zone ). Live streaming via the link: https://events.zoom.us/e/view/2OkXfbQXScWlVm0Z2jXh3g

And, on Tuesday (15), Itaipu is a guest panelist at the side event “The role of hydropower in Achieving Climate Resilience”, at 1 pm, at the Tajikistan Pavilion (Blue Zone). This event is in person only. All times reported are in Sharm El-Sheik (Egypt) time, which is five hours ahead of Brasília.