Diversification Of Energy Mix Research Articles

Energy-Mix Diversification and Renewable Energy Development in Nigeria and South Africa

The increasing global demand for energy access and security is a critical issue that has significant implications for sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental sustainability worldwide. Perhaps more specifically, this development has continued to be a major source of concerns for the energy sector development in both Nigeria and South Africa. Renewable energy plays a crucial role in addressing the problem of greenhouse gas emissions by offering clean and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based electricity generation. The adoption of renewable energy alternatives in both countries to provide clean and reliable power supply to their citizens is a major step at attempting to alleviate the effects of greenhouse emissions. In the quest for sustainable energy systems and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, countries around the world are increasingly turning towards energy mix diversification and the development of renewable alternatives. This paper focuses on the efforts of Nigeria and South Africa in diversifying their energy mixes and promoting the development of renewable energy sources to meet their growing energy needs while addressing environmental concerns and fostering sustainable development. Finally, it presents recommendations on the steps that can further drive the integration of renewable energy technologies into the present energy mix of both countries.

Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment: converting an early retirement coal-fired power plant to a biomass power plant

Decommissioning aging coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) represents an effective strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accelerating energy mix diversification, and achieving nationally determined contributions and net-zero emissions targets. However, dismantling the CFPP and building a renewable energy-based power plant with a capacity equal to a dismantled CFPP could burden state finances. Therefore, converting coal to 100% biomass fuel in the aging CFPP is one of the proposals that needs to be studied. This study conducted an environmental assessment concerning the Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas (LC GHG) emissions, encompassing raw material extraction and power plant operation. Five scenarios were analyzed. Two scenarios related to using sawdust and agroforestry residue for biomass fuel in the aging CFPP. The other three scenarios used biomass fuel from Calliandra wood harvested from tropical forests, production forests, and marginal land, which produced GHG emissions from Land Use Change (LUC). This study demonstrates that sawdust and agroforestry residue can reduce global warming impacts compared to coal. The LUC in higher carbon stock land will increase global warming impacts, while the LUC in lower carbon stock land will reduce global warming impacts. A decrease in the aging CFPP efficiency, when coal is converted to 100% biomass, will cause an increase in global warming impacts.

Correlation between Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions in the Context of the Transition to a Zero-Carbon Economy

Abstract The energy sector is increasingly popular today and plays a vital role in our everyday lives. That is why, in this paper I am trying to analyze the existing literature and find a correlation between economic growth and carbon emissions. I utilized various scenarios for this research. The first direction is based on a study seeks to scrutinize earlier literature encompassing economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon emissions, encompassing both individual country analyses and multi-country studies spanning until the year 2019. The second one on usage of both growth and environmental functions to illustrate the efficacy of renewable energy in fostering economic growth and mitigating carbon emissions in the context of the 15 primary renewable energy-consuming nations. Exploring the impact of disaggregated energy consumption, technological innovations, and capital on economic output and CO2 emissions in India from 1990 to 2018 is the third direction, while the fourth has at its base the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on renewable energy consumption using panel data from 90 countries spanning the period 2000-2014. The fifth scenario is about the effects of climate change and technological innovation on economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon emissions by analyzing annual observations of diverse variables across Asian and European countries from 1996 to 2021. The final perspective investigates the factors influencing Energy Mix Diversification (EMD) by utilizing a panel sample encompassing seven major emerging (E7) economies—Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey—observed from 1995 to 2018.

Energy mix diversification in emerging economies: An econometric analysis of determinants

Energy mix diversification (EMD) is recognized as a plausible strategy for emerging economies to achieve energy security targets and meet net zero carbon emissions goals by 2050. Thus, this research explores the determinants of EMD utilizing a sample panel for seven major emerging (E7) economies, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey, observed from 1995 to 2018. The Pedroni panel cointegration test investigates the long-run equilibrium, and the long- and short-run determinants are identified using a panel autoregressive distributed lag model. The findings reveal a long-run equilibrium linkage among EMD, carbon emissions, financial development, economic growth, technological progress, energy efficiency, and globalization. The long-run estimates show that energy efficiency and carbon emissions are driving forces for EMD, whereas technological progress, financial development, and globalization have insignificant effects. However, all variables - except economic growth are found to be the barriers to EMD in the short-run. The findings presented in this research are novel and add value to the energy literature by identifying the long- and short-run determinants of EMD, specifically for E7 economies. These economies are expected to take appropriate actions to stimulate the adoption of clean and green energy sources; thus, appropriate implications of the findings are discussed.

Sectoral foreign direct investment and environmental degradation: new insights from diversification of energy mix containing fossil fuels and renewable energy.

The objective of the study is to extend the existing literature by investigating the effects of foreign direct investment, gross domestic products and per capita and energy diversification on the nitrogen oxide emissions in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) by using annual data during the period 1992-2019. As per our knowledge, the present study is a first of its kind to examine the impact of a new energy diversification index, based on Herfindahl-Hirschman framework on pollution. This study has adopted a new quantile regression augmented method of moments, which is capable of producing the total impacts of the independent variables across the entire distribution of nitrogen oxides emissions. The findings suggest that an increase in foreign direct investment leads to a decrease in nitrogen oxides emissions at the aggregate level and in both manufacturing and service sectors. We observe that foreign direct investment leads to an increase in nitrogen oxides emissions in the agricultural sector in most of the quantiles. Diversification towards renewable energy causes a decrease in nitrogen oxides emissions in most quantiles at aggregate level, agricultural and manufacturing sectors, whilst diversification leads to an increase in nitrogen oxides emissions in the service sector. The findings also suggest that GDP per capita leads to an increase in NOx emissions in all the quantiles. The study suggests the policy to use and attract more clean energy through foreign direct investment for towards the achievement of sustainable development.

Degree of persistence of energy mix diversification of the US states: fresh evidence using LM unit root tests with sharp or smooth breaks and cross-sectional dependence.

Diversification of energy mix is related to the heterogeneity of contributions of energy sources in the energy consumption basket of nations. Its persistent degree reveals the efficiency of energy-related policies or shocks to diversify the contributions of energy sources in the energy mix. For the first time, the current study measures the diversification level of energy mix of the USA and its 51 states and examines its stochastic behavior to analyze its degree of persistence. To this end, we calculated the diversification of energy mix using Herfindahl-Hirschman index over the period 1960-2020. Then, we applied two novel versions of LM unit root tests that can incorporate sharp or smooth breaks and common factors (to control for cross-sectional dependence) to quantify the stochastic behavior of time series of Herfindahl-Hirschman index. Our results indicate (i) the energy mix of most of the US states diversified over the period. (ii) Most parts of diversification of energy mix occurred from mid of the 1970s to first half of the 1990s. (iii) Sharp breaks of deterministic part (intercept and slope of the linear trend) of Herfindahl-Hirschman indexes occurred coinciding with oil prices shocks in two decades 1970 and 1980. (iv) The Herfindahl-Hirschman index of most of states display stationary behavior, which indicate the pro-diversification policies, e.g., which are implemented to develop renewable energy sources, have transitory effects and policymakers should implement long-horizon policies to achieve their targeted level of diversification.

Overview of policy and market dynamics for the deployment of renewable energy sources in Italy: Current status and future prospects

In recent years, the international community has been strongly committed to promoting energy transition due to the various challenges presented by the global energy market. In this context, renewable sources have increasingly assumed a significant role, representing a viable solution to accelerate decarbonization and promote diversification of energy mix. This paper examines Italian energy profile, its status, and future prospects. Policies and incentives on a European and national scale have been analysed to observe the commitment of institutions in promoting energy transition. Policies and incentives on a European and national scale have been analysed to observe the commitment of institutions in promoting energy transition. Projections on future investments (2030) and economic and employment implications have also been provided. The analysis shows that shared investments are essential to achieve climate goals in the short term and that existing plants need to be converted through the use of new, more effective, cost-efficient technologies. Thus, innovation and investments in research and development are key drivers of energy transition, and with proper management, climate change mitigation can be ensured. The analysis provides some useful implications for policymakers who should ensure tax incentives, feed-in tariffs, and clear regulation at the national and regional levels that do not hinder the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure.

Case Study: Mature Wells Given New, Carbon-Storage Purpose With Subsurface Data

To ensure success in exploration and production activities, oil and gas companies rely on subsurface data to gain insights that guide operational decisions over the life of their wells. But as wells near the end of their lives and production slows or stops, wells are subsequently shut and abandoned, and the accompanying subsurface data are set aside. However, these data still hold tremendous value when it comes to evaluating mature, near-end-of-life wells and fields to determine if they are suitable candidates for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Reusing wells and fields for CO2 injection provides an opportunity to reduce the time and cost for developing new CCUS infrastructure required by energy mix diversification efforts while avoiding the steep expenses commonly associated with decommissioning. In most cases, when the production cycle ends and all usable hydrocarbons have been extracted, the topside facilities are dismantled, the wellbore is permanently plugged and abandoned, and the surrounding land or seabed is returned to its natural condition. Historically, this complex, multistep process has been a cost center for oil and gas businesses, requiring monumental investment that grows even higher for offshore and deepwater fields. However, now that the CCUS industry is aggressively expanding, operators are presented with the possibility of turning decommissioned wells into a profit center by selling CO2 storage capacity to others. CO2 storage is a crucial component of the CCUS value chain as permanently storing CO2 is the cornerstone of large-scale emissions reductions. The storage process entails capturing, compressing, and injecting CO2 into a reservoir of porous rock beneath an impermeable layer of caprock, which functions as a seal. The caprock prevents the CO2 from reaching the surface, as do other trapping mechanisms including structural, residual, solubility, and mineral trapping. As a result, CO2 is safely stored in geological formations. This is similar to the unexplored state of oil and gas reserves trapped underground for millions of years. Carbon-storage processes are not a new concept in the oil and gas industry. As part of normal well operations, operators routinely perform the CO2 injection enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique. If CO2 returns to the surface and is separated and then reinjected to form a closed loop when utilizing this EOR method, this results in permanent CO2 storage, which strongly supports the viability for repurposing mature decommissioned wells. In response to growing interest in CCUS and governments worldwide committing to reach a net-zero target for CO2 emissions in the coming decades, a consortium of 20 organizations including research institutions, operators, and regulatory authorities joined together to create REX-CO2 (ReUsing Existing Wells for CO2 Capture and Storage). As part of the REX-CO2 consortium, Ikon Science collaborated with the British Geological Survey (BGS) in the phases of a study that evaluated the potential for well reuse in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). It’s forecast that 1,211 wells across 230 fields will be decommissioned through 2028 in the UKCS to the tune of $60 billion, according to Britain’s Oil & Gas Authority’s 2021 Decommissioning Cost Estimate report.

A Study on Integrating SMRs into Uganda’s Future Energy System

Uganda is looking forward to diversifying its energy system to sustainably meet the present and future energy needs. To achieve this, the country is embarking on a nuclear power program to construct large nuclear reactors, although this would increase Uganda’s electricity generation capacity, huge investments in construction and grid expansion required presents a big challenge considering the small size of Uganda’s economy and grid. Luckily, emerging new nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) can address these challenges due their enhanced features that are compatible with Uganda’s energy system. SMRs having smaller capacities means that they would reduce the total investment costs in construction and also fit Uganda’s small electric grid. In this study, the methodology followed two approaches to examine the best strategies to integrate SMRs into Uganda’s future energy system, that is, the model for energy supply strategy alternatives and their general environmental impacts (MESSAGE) code and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) economic competitiveness analysis parameter. The results of analysis reveal that SMRs can play a key role in the future energy mix by contributing 13% to the total electricity generation. Additionally, the LCOE value of the SMRs was 78.01 $/MWh, which is competitive with large nuclear reactors with an LCOE value of 79.77 $/MWh and significantly lower than the LCOE of biomass, peat, and thermal energies. In conclusion, this study justified Uganda’s need to invest in SMRs considering the country’s energy security needs, future energy mix diversification goals, and national financial environment.

Electric energy planning in Namibe, Angola: Inserting renewable energies in search of a sustainable energy mix

The socioeconomic development of any region requires electricity for operating the various sectors of the economy. Sometimes energy is scarce, not only because of the lack of energy resources, but also because energy policy is inadequate or non-existent. This paper examines the situation in the province of Namibe, Angola, characterising the energy sector, and proposing an energy mix for the security of electricity supply, environmental protection and sustainable economic development. Using the Long-range Energy Alternative and Planning System, energy scenarios were simulated and the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) for the period 2014-2040 calculated and analysed. The most sustainable scenario, in terms of energy mix diversification and GHG reduction, as well as the least costly (considering electricity production and carbon costs), has an increase of hydro capacity and the insertion of wind, solar photovoltaic, thermoelectric sources and natural gas. Given the intermittency of photovoltaic and wind systems, natural gas appears in this scenario as a way to avoid interruptions in the electricity supply. This scenario is the one with the largest production reserve margin of 24.47 %, and emissions are avoided at 386 550 tCO2eq compared to the base scenario in 2040. Energy policymakers can take this scenario as a model to assist in making decisions on how power capacities can be installed over the planned time for the desired energy output.

The effect of the EU ETS free allowance allocation on energy mix diversification: the case of Poland’s power sector

ABSTRACT Since 2013, power plants in the EU have been obliged to buy carbon permits instead of receiving them for free. However, in order to ease their energy transition, some Member States that meet certain conditions (mainly a high share of fossil fuels and low income) are allowed to continue to receive free allowances for existing power plants (Article 10c of the EU ETS Directive). In exchange, they must invest in modernizing their electricity sector and diversifying their energy supply. However, up to 70% of the conditional investments have been made in upgrading coal-fired units, which casts doubt on the effectiveness of the measure to increase energy diversification. This paper evaluates the effect that the so-called rule 10c has had on energy diversification. A synthetic control method is applied to aggregate data from Poland, one of the countries eligible for free allowances, to investigate how the lignite and wind share in electricity generation would have evolved had Poland not used the rule 10c derogation. Our results indicate that Poland’s energy diversification would have been the same if allowances had been auctioned instead of allocated for free. Therefore, the policy is only relevant in political terms and involves unjustified revenue loss for affected governments in favour of installations, i.e. subsidies. Our results suggest that rule 10c, as defined, does not incentivize investment in low carbon alternatives. The use of this transitional free allocation will continue to be available in phase IV (2021–2030) of the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS). Key policy insights Application of the rule 10c derogation under the EU ETS, granting emission allowances for free to fossil fuel-reliant member states, has not achieved the intended goal of energy mix diversification in Poland. Using a synthetic control method, we show that the lignite and wind share of electricity production in Poland would have followed the same trajectory if full auctioning, instead of free allocation, had been applied. Because most conditional investments were used to retrofit coal-fired plants, the policy’s main contribution was to subsidize continued use of coal power. The policy deprived affected governments of auction revenues that could have been used to ease decarbonization.

Assessing the diversification of energy mix with the methods of entropy and hierarchy of information

Energy systems are a typical example of complex and dynamic systems and the study of their structure is of particular interest in theoretical and practical terms. Becoming the main trend of diversification and, renewable energies play important role in the evolution and dynamics of energy balances at the international, national, and local levels. Usually, natural sciences use Information Theory and the concept of entropy to assess diversity, uncertainty, and chaos in systems with a high number of components. An alternative approach to assess system complexity is to consider these issues from point of view of the concentration of resources, dominance, and hierarchy in the interactions between system components. This report presents an original method developed by the author for assessing the hierarchy in energy mix structures and the role of renewable energies. The author’s studies in the field of energy explore the evolution of markets and energy balances (energy mixes) on an international, regional and national level with a special focus on the European Union and Bulgaria. The hierarchy approach provides results in a more logical, objective, and balanced format and improves the analysis in terms of energy security and diversification. In this paper, is presented a research on the structure of the energy mix in Bulgaria.

Sludge to energy recovery dosed with selected trace metals additives in anaerobic digestion processes

The energy demand is ever rising with population increase and technology evolution. Coal consumption in South Africa is estimated to be 86% of the total energy demand. It has a high magnitude of environmental pollution and contributes to climate change. This calls for cleaner, reliable, sustainable, decarbonized, decentralized, affordable, digitized with the diversification of energy mix. The study aimed at investigating the impact of dosing selected trace metals (Ni, Co, Cu) as an additive to the substrate in the sludge to energy recovery using anaerobic processes. Sewage sludge and cellulose were used as a substrate. The biomethane potential study was carried from a 500 mL batch automated bio-digester at a mesophilic temperature of 37 °C and a substratum-to-inoculum ratio (2:1) of the organic load rate. The dosed micro-nutrients acted as microbial-agents responsible for the anaerobic digestion of the feedstock. Cellulose and sludge at 0.25 mg/L (Ni) recorded the highest production of the biomethane. Cellulose inoculated with cobalt had better biomethane production at 0.02 mg/L until 0.05 mg/L. High production of biomethane was observed at the substrate with a copper concentration of 4.5 mg/L. Adding trace metals to microbial cell surroundings stimulated microbial activity and prevented the accumulation of the fatty acids. However, high concentrations beyond threshold resulted in inhibition, toxicity to the microbial-growth, which was reflected in the reduction of the production of biomethane.

Analysis of the robustness of energy supply in Japan: Role of renewable energy

Today, the security of energy has become one of the primary concerns of all the countries around the world due to the limited energy sources, increasing population, energy prices fluctuations and limitations in energy supply. Japan is considered as one of the largest energy consumers and energy importers throughout the world which almost 96% of its primary energy supply in national level relies on the imports from other countries. After experiencing several harsh energy supply conditions over the last 40 years, Japan realized the sensitivity of its energy supply and decided to fundamentally restructure its energy supply and rely more on energy mix diversification, renewable energies, energy efficiency improvement, and carbon emissions reduction. In this article the energy security improvement and the government actions to boost diversification of energy by focusing more on renewable energies and reducing energy intensity, increasing energy efficiency and decreasing energy import dependency in Japan is studied. In addition, various renewable energy technologies as a substitute source of energy and promising ways of domestic energy supply as well as the factors to improve the security of energy supply are studied thoroughly. Moreover, it was realized that the most primary energy sources in Japan are biofuel and waste energy followed by hydropower and geothermal energy respectively.

Case study for hybrid power generation combining hydro- and photovoltaic energy resources in the Brazilian semiarid region

Hydropower is currently the primary energy resource to service the Brazilian electricity sector. However, the dry seasons in the Brazilian semiarid region have become longer due to climate variability, and they have affected the operation of hydropower plants during the last decade. Brazil has a growing energy demand, and energy mix diversification is essential to meet the power capacity required to support sustainable development. Investments in photovoltaic power plants are already a robust strategy to foster a new cycle of socioeconomic development based on a low-carbon economy. Hybrid power generation using hydro- and solar energy resources can be an alternative source due to the seasonal complementarity between them in the Brazilian semiarid region. During the dry periods, the photovoltaic power plant can replace hydropower generation. The present study aimed to evaluate the contribution of a solar photovoltaic plant to increase power generation in the Sobradinho hydropower plant operating in the Sao Francisco River, the most important water resource in the Brazilian semiarid region. The results showed that the PV power plant contributes to saving water for other multiple usages and avoids emissions of greenhouse gases by thermal power plants in long periods of intense drought. According to the simulation results for the 2013–2015 period, the PV plant would add around 8350 GWh to the actual power generated in Sobradinho using an area smaller than 0.5% of its water reservoir surface. In addition, hybrid power generation would avoid emissions around 27.106 t CO2 released into the atmosphere by thermal power plants using fossil fuels during 3 years.

Strategies to make renewable energy sources compatible with economic growth

This paper focuses on the relationship between economic activity, and renewable and non-renewable energy consumption for the set of countries with the largest usage of each energy source. The dominance of one type of energy source could raise an unintentional barrier to a strategy of energy mix diversification. A panel of 28 countries was studied, using annual data for the time span 1995–2013. The ARDL approach was used to capture the short- and long-run effects. The Driscoll-Kraay estimator was used to attain robust results given the presence of the phenomena of heteroscedasticity, contemporaneous correlation, first order autocorrelation and cross-sectional dependence. Results suggest that renewable energy has not contributed to economic growth, while non-renewable energy has contributed. This finding should be incorporated in the definition of energy strategies, specifically by making renewable energy compatible with economic growth.

Techno-economic demand projections and scenarios for the Bolivian energy system

Increasing energy access in emerging economies has played an important role to maintain or achieve desirable social and economic development targets. As a consequence, the growing energy requirements need policy instruments to ensure energy supply for future generations. The literature reports many studies with different approaches to model and test policy measures in the energy sector, however few energy-related studies for Bolivia are available. This paper addresses this knowledge gap, representing the first national level energy demand model and projections for Bolivia. The model use demographic, economic, technology and policy trends with a pragmatic model structure that combines bottom-up and top-down modelling. The scenario analysis has a particular focus on alternatives for energy savings, energy mix diversification and air quality. Three scenarios were analysed: Energy Savings, Fuel Substitution and the aggregate effects in a Combined scenario. The reference scenario results show the overall energy consumption grows 134% in 2035 compared to 2012 with an annual average growth of 3.8%. The final energy demand in the energy savings scenario is 8.5% lower than the Reference scenario, 1.5% lower in the fuel substitution scenario and 9.4% lower in the combined Scenario. The aggregate impact of both energy savings and fuel substitution measures leads to potential avoided emissions of 25.84 million Tons of CO2 equivalent in the model horizon 2012-2035.

Carbon exergy tax applied to biomass integrated gasification combined cycle in sugarcane industry

The development of technologies based on energy renewable sources is increasing worldwide in order to diversify the energy mix and satisfy the rigorous environmental legislation and international agreements to reduce pollutant emission. Considering specific characteristics of biofuels available in Brazil, studies regarding such technologies should be carried out aiming energy mix diversification. Several technologies for power generation from biomass have been presented in the technical literature, and plants with BIGCC (biomass integrated gasification combined cycle) emerge as a major technological innovation. By obtaining a fuel rich in hydrogen from solid biomass gasification, BIGCC presents higher overall process efficiency than direct burning of the solid fuel in conventional boilers. The objective of this paper is to develop a thermodynamic and chemical equilibrium model of a BIGCC configuration for sugarcane bagasse. The model embodies exergetic cost and CO2 emission analyses through the method of CET (carbon exergy tax). An exergetic penalty comparison between the BIGCC technology (with and without CO2 capture and sequestration), a natural gas combined cycle and the traditional steam cycle of sugarcane sector is then presented. It is verified that the BIGCC configuration with CO2 capture and sequestration presents technical and environmental advantages when compared to traditional technology.

Obstacles and Way Forward in Promoting Renewable Energy in Nigeria

Nigeria is one of the world’s leading producers of crude oil and yet it is a net importer of refined oil. Its average daily premium motor spirit (PMS) consumption is 30 million liters. At 100% capacity the nation’s refineries will produce 17.74 million liters of premium motor spirit daily. A shortfall of over 10 million liters per day exists. Recent estimates stipulate that Nigeria requires 20,000 MW of electricity per annum. The projected electricity supply from all sources (conventional and renewable) in Nigeria in the short (2007), medium (2015) and long term (2025) is estimated to be 7000 MW, 14000 MW and 29,000 MW respectively. Annual peak electricity demand in Nigeria will increase from 4,558 MW to 45,755 MW in 2050 at high growth rate and 4,558 to 19,599 MW for low growth. Nigeria’s electricity per capita of 27 W/person is not enough to light an electric incandescent bulb of 30 W. These provide enough justification for the use of renewable energy in Nigeria. The use of renewable energy in Nigeria is hindered by the lack of regulation, financial incentives, energy infrastructures, framework for sustainability and technical expertise. Overcoming these obstacles will require invigorating research and development in renewable energy technologies, training and education to build local technical capacity, diversification of energy mix and scaling up of renewable energy utilization, aggressive capacity building in all areas of energy development and creation of enabling environment that will attract investment in energy infrastructure. This paper discusses the obstacles and way forward in promoting renewable energy in Nigeria.

Decomposition of CO2 emissions change from energy consumption in Brazil: Challenges and policy implications

This study evaluates the changes in CO2 emissions from energy consumption in Brazil for the period 1970–2009. Emissions are decomposed into production and consumption activities allowing computing the full set of energy sources consumed in the country. This study aims to develop a comprehensive and updated picture of the underlying determinants of emissions change from energy consumption in Brazil along the last four decades, including for the first time the recently released data for 2009. Results demonstrate that economic activity and demographic pressure are the leading forces explaining emission increase. On the other hand, carbon intensity reductions and diversification of energy mix towards cleaner sources are the main factors contributing to emission mitigation, which are also the driving factors responsible for the observed decoupling between CO2 emissions and economic growth after 2004. The cyclical patterns of energy intensity and economy structure are associated to both increments and mitigation on total emission change depending on the interval. The evidences demonstrate that Brazilian efforts to reduce emissions are concentrated on energy mix diversification and carbon intensity control while technology intensive alternatives like energy intensity has not demonstrated relevant progress. Residential sector displays a marginal weight in the total emission change.