On Saturday, November 15, the Brazil Pavilion in the Green Zone at COP30 hosted the panel discussion Climate and Energy: Innovative Solutions for the Amazon Region. The event, organized by the Municipality of Abaetetuba, ICLEI — Local Governments for Sustainability, and FONPLATA — Development Bank, brought together local leaders, international organizations, and companies to discuss how to ensure clean and accessible energy in the Brazilian Amazon.

The Amazon region, responsible for about one-third of Brazil’s renewable electricity generation, continues to face enormous challenges: millions of people remain disconnected from the National Interconnected System (SIN) and rely on isolated systems, often powered by fossil fuels, which are more expensive and polluting. This reality reflects decades of infrastructure and logistics deficiencies.

During the meeting, participants shared experiences and proposals to reverse this scenario through sustainable and innovative solutions that reduce environmental impacts and promote fairer, more inclusive energy access. The panel, moderated by Felipe Jukemura, ICLEI Regional Leader for Green Finance, featured Eliana Dam, Vice President of Operations and Countries at FONPLATA; Francinete Carvalho, Mayor of Abaetetuba; Marcelo da Gama Grison, Natural Resources Expert representing the Municipality of Palmas; and Michelle Ferreti, Co-founder and Director of the Alziras Institute.

Among the initiatives presented, the USI+SOLAR initiative stood out. This technical cooperation project, financed by FONPLATA in partnership with ICLEI, is part of an agenda promoted by the Amazon Cities Forum to pilot innovative and replicable solutions to climate challenges. The project includes installing photovoltaic systems in schools and public buildings, alongside a comprehensive program of technical training, community awareness, and sustainability education.

FONPLATA emphasized the importance of financing green projects, noting that international cooperation is key to accelerating the energy transition in Brazil's Legal Amazon. The panel concluded with a call to strengthen partnerships and consolidate an innovation ecosystem that democratizes access to sustainable energy across the region.

11/16/2025