IEA likely to expand to include Brazil, host of COP30 climate conference

The membership of the International Energy Agency (IEA) is likely to expand. Brazil, a long-standing partner of the agency and host of this year's UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), is expected to become a new member, the IEA said on its website.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira took formal steps to apply through a letter addressed to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.

“Allow us to express the Brazilian government's appreciation for its partnership with the International Energy Agency, which over the years has made a significant contribution to progress in Brazil's energy policy,” the ministers wrote. “Aware of the energy challenges ahead and the strategic support that the IEA provides to its member countries, we are pleased to inform you that our government intends to begin the process of acceding to the IEA as a full member.”

Brazil is thus building on an existing partnership that has been in place since 2017. Under this relationship, it has contributed to addressing issues related to energy security, the collection and assessment of energy data, and energy policy analysis. Relations between the IEA and Brazil have deepened further in recent years.

A major outcome of the cooperation was an in-depth review of Brazil's energy sector in 2023. Among other things, the IEA described Brazil as a pioneer in the clean energy transition and stressed that, among the world's major economies, Brazil has the lowest share of fossil fuels in its energy mix.

South America's largest and most populous country is therefore highly likely to soon join the IEA “family”, which currently comprises 32 member countries, including Czechia. Twelve countries remain associated members, while another four are in the process of joining.