Class 13 & 14

Question 1

What can we do to decarbonize the planet?

Answer 1

Green technologies: crucial for climate change. They need to become a global public asset and be intensively used as soon as possible, as well as renewable energy

Question 2

What are the advantages of Brazil and South America in the low carbon economy? (5)

Answer 2

• Mostly green electricity grids, which means low CO2 emissions (comes from renewable sources), BR is one of the most advanced countries in the world in energy transition.
• Ample water availability
• Immense reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, copper, rare earths and iron ore.
• Vast forests
• Few geopolitical problems

Question 3

Why Brazil is so attractive for International investors? (3)

Answer 3

1. A great producer of clean energy
2. Stable politics and institutions work
3. Huge market

Brazil has a lot of potential and favorable natural conditions, but doesn’t have the competence to manufacture equipment, that’s why it imports almost all the solar and wind energy

Question 4

What should Brazil do about the potential in low carbon economy? (4)

Answer 4

• Produce equipment for solar and wind energy
• Generate and export green hydrogen
• Explore promising mineral deposits
• Research on biodiversity and biotechnology: Transform its condition of tropical region in permanent competitive advantage, so we can be better than anyone else in food, energy, fertilizers and drugs.

Question 5

What are the difficulties in producing green hydrogen? (3) And why can Brazil be a major powerhouse in the production of green hydrogen? (2)

Answer 5

• High production cost: The production cost of green hydrogen is currently high compared to other forms of hydrogen and traditional energy
• Energy Consumption: Compared to other fuels, green hydrogen requires more energy to produce.
• Safety Challenges: Hydrogen is a highly volatile and flammable element, which poses significant safety challenges.
• BR have abundant water and electrical energy –> cheapest green hydrogen in the world –> developing biotechnology and life sciences is a big opportunity to enter the First World group (we have the resources + Amazon biodiversity)