Renewable energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Reaching the goals of the Paris agreement in Brazil

The COP 21 (21st Conference of Parties) held in 2015, in Paris, proposed to limit the average global temperature increase at a maximum of 2 °C. Brazil has programs for reducing GHGs through Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) in the energy sector. Between 2012 and 2015 Brazil faced a drastic reduction in rainfall volumes which led to a decrease in hydroelectric generation, then offset by thermoelectric generation, with an increase in its emissions. The objective herein is to review the expansion in the use of renewable energy sources to meet the INDC's goals, given the future vulnerability of the Brazilian electricity matrix. The use of renewable energy such as wind, solar and co-generation for electric production has grown considerably in Brazil. The growth of wind power generation was a result of the investment initiated by these public policies to promote the Brazilian wind industry through the Programme of Incentives for Alternative Electricity Sources (PROINFA), the increase of wind generation in both South and Northeast subsystems. Wind energy is aimed to reach 20 GW of electricity production by 2024. The public and private initiatives in the solar energy segment reflect, first and foremost, upon the creation of a solar photovoltaic industry in the country and, from there, a consequent expansion of this energy's usage. The cogeneration processes have contributed to industries in a positive way, both in supplying electricity for internal energy plants' demands as well as those of the national electric system. Therefore, the diversification of the energy matrix is a goal to be achieved. The use of new renewable energy sources and the maintenance of investments in hydropower are part of the Brazilian strategy to turn its electric matrix less vulnerable climate change consequences.. [Display omitted] •The Brazilian electrical matrix eminently of hydroelectric origin.•Changes in hydrological cycle increase vulnerability in hydroelectric generation in Brazil.•Brazilian programs encourage the use of the wind and solar energy in electricity production.•The use of biofuels on a large scale for reducing carbon emissions.