Brazil’s Opportunity: Moving Beyond Greenwashing to Real Emissions Reductions

In Brazil, conversations about energy often focus on growth and potential. The country produces millions of barrels of crude oil each day, leads the world in renewables like hydropower, and has positioned itself as a global energy player. Yet, when it comes to reducing emissions, much of the progress promised by traditional oil and gas strategies has fallen short. (58% of almost 300 companies from the Forbes 2,000 found to be at risk of “net zero greenwash” due to their policy engagement.)

Carbon capture projects remain expensive and slow to scale. Efficiency upgrades in refineries deliver only incremental improvements. Efforts to reduce flaring or methane leaks are inconsistent. And too often, companies use these initiatives as headlines in sustainability reports rather than solutions that change the reality on the ground. Brazil doesn’t need more greenwashing, it needs real emissions reduction solutions that work in months, not decades.

Meanwhile, Brazil continues to rely heavily on diesel to power its economy. Trucks moving agricultural exports, mining equipment extracting minerals, ships carrying goods to domestic and international markets — all depend on it. Diesel demand isn’t shrinking. On the contrary, it is growing, and much of it is still supplied through imports, exposing industries to global volatility and higher costs. (Brazil's 2024 diesel imports expected to rise 13% on year to 9.6 million mt)

This is where innovation becomes essential. Instead of waiting for massive refineries that take years and billions to build, or for technologies that remain stuck in pilot projects, Brazil can embrace modular, proven systems that deliver measurable impact in months, not decades.

Think Energy is bringing precisely that. Our modular plants transform crude oil or condensates directly into cleaner diesel and fuel oil with:

• 50% fewer CO2 emissions per barrel, independently verified by ISO 14067 and a full Life Cycle Assessment.

• Elimination of toxic H2S and sulfur reduction to international marine standards, cutting harmful pollution.

• 10–15% more energy per gallon compared to standard diesel, improving efficiency and lowering operating costs.

Think Energy’s modular plants cut CO2 emissions by 50% and produce low-sulfur fuels directly from Brazil’s crude oil, verified by ISO 14067 and a full Life Cycle Assessment.

Unlike traditional strategies that often remain aspirational, this solution is already operating, producing millions of gallons for industrial clients in steel, textiles, asphalt, and logistics. It is not an experiment; it is a reality Brazil can deploy quickly to strengthen its industries and reduce emissions at the same time.

With ambitious national targets to cut greenhouse gases by 2035 and rising carbon credit prices signalling the cost of inaction, Brazil is at a turning point. The tools exist. What is needed now is the decision to implement solutions that are scalable, fast, and certified. 

Brazil does not have to choose between economic growth and environmental responsibility. By adopting cleaner, modular fuel production, it can achieve both, keeping more value at home, powering its industries with reliable supply, and showing leadership in sustainable energy for Latin America and beyond.

📩 For conversations about how Think Energy can help Brazil achieve real, scalable emissions reductions: admin@gothinkenergy.com