Decarbonization and Innovation: Opportunities and Challenges on the Path to Net Zero

By Rodrigo Braz | Managing Partner | DealMaker

Recently, our partner Rodrigo Braz participated in the Decarb Summit 2025, a cross-sector conference on decarbonization practices, where he shared key insights on the topic.

We recognize that the transition to #NetZero is a long and complex challenge. However, the opportunities arising for both established companies and innovative startups looking to tackle these challenges are immense.

One example of the multitude of necessary solutions is the study presented by Enel Group, in partnership with Deloitte, which projects that even in a Net Zero scenario, 35% of Brazil’s energy consumption in 2050 will still come from fossil fuels.

Area chart illustrating the trajectory of net greenhouse gas emissions between 2019 and 2050, comparing the Reference Scenario (REF Scenario) with the "Net Zero" scenario. By 2030, emissions are reduced by 48% in the "Net Zero" scenario.

Two area charts comparing final energy consumption between the Reference Scenario and the "Net Zero" scenario. Different energy sources are represented by distinct colors, including electricity, natural gas, petroleum derivatives, non-energy use, hydrogen, and biodiesel. The "Net Zero" scenario projects an increase in electricity consumption to 44%, compared to 32% in the reference scenario.

Currently, there are no technologically or economically viable alternatives for various applications of these fuels, which will require massive investments in CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) to offset emissions—an area where Brazil holds competitive advantages.

Another key aspect involves new land-use practices and improvements in agribusiness, including Biotech applications and potentially tokenized blockchain solutions to ensure compliance and traceability.

Moreover, all these initiatives will need to be cataloged, inventoried, and integrated into legacy management systems, demanding the development of new SaaS platforms and digital solutions to consolidate this information.

Bar chart comparing greenhouse gas emissions by sector between 2019 and 2050 in the "Net Zero" scenario. The sectors include residential, commercial, and public services, agriculture, industry, transportation, livestock, land-use change and forestry, waste, and the energy industry. Sectors show varying percentage reductions, with a 217% decrease in land-use change and forestry emissions.

There are countless examples. The demand for these solutions is both foreseeable and growing in the coming years, while other megatrends like AI further increase energy consumption and, consequently, the need for these innovations. It will be crucial to stay ahead of these developments.

By Rodrigo Braz | Managing Partner | DealMaker