Mattos Filho launches pioneering Energy Transition practice

In line with the global shift in focus toward greener energy sources, Mattos Filho has announced the launch of its Energy Transition practice. The new area will serve companies interested in decarbonizing their business operations, including those in the electric power and O&G sectors, as well as their investors, financiers, and service providers. A pioneering initiative among Brazilian full-service law firms, the new practice is comprised of a multidisciplinary team with specialists in energy, financing, transactions, contracts, litigation, tax, sustainability, and ESG.

In an effort to meet their decarbonization targets, countries, companies, and the financial sector have all been ramping up discussions regarding new sources of clean energy. This has become even more pertinent with rising geopolitical tensions linked to the war between Russia and Ukraine, rising energy prices and the global post-pandemic scenario. The debate has progressed across various economic sectors and has led a number of governments to establish incentives and regulations, particularly in the United States and Europe.

“We always keep an eye out for new market innovations and trends,” affirmed Mattos Filho’s managing partner, Roberto Quiroga. “In regard to energy transition – an issue discussed at the international level – we can see Brazil has the potential to lead the way. Taking advantage of the firm’s collaborative work model, the new practice will ensure our clients have the best professionals at their disposal to meet the specialized demands the energy transition process requires.”

In seeking to boost the race for innovation in the energy sector and advise companies engaged in energy transition, Mattos Filho’s newest practice assists with the organization and operation of projects regarding biofuels, natural gas, biogas and hydrogen, clean or renewable energy generation and distribution, as well as the development and implementation of new technologies associated with the sector.

Brazilian biodiversity: driving the transition

Brazil’s vast biodiversity means it has great potential to become a prominent player in the global energy transition movement. The country’s geography and natural features provide opportunities for wind and solar power projects, as well as for the production of fuels such as hydrogen, biofuels and natural gas. However, making the transition viable also requires the Brazilian state to proactively promote the green economy and its significant social and environmental benefits.

“Brazilian biodiversity is the new pre-salt,” said partner Giovani Loss, alluding to the excitement generated by the discovery of oil reserves in deep rock layers off Brazil’s coast almost two decades ago. “Our natural riches put the country in an advantageous position to lead the energy transition movement.” Loss will work with seventeen of the firm’s other partners in the new practice. He also believes that energy transition is far from being restricted to electric power. “In the Brazilian scenario, hydrogen and carbon capture are currently the most important ‘new technologies’ for Brazil to achieve its decarbonization targets. However, increased investment in research into other potential technologies is essential.”

As part of the practice’s launch, Mattos Filho will host a series of events on topics related to energy transition. The first of these events was held in June 28, on the theme ‘Biomethane – What You Need to Know’. Mattos Filho’s partners were joined by Alessandro Gardemann, the CEO of green energy supplier Geo Biogas & Tech, to discuss various commercial and regulatory aspects of the biomethane industry and its importance to the energy transition process.

For more information, please contact Mattos Filho’s Energy Transition practice area.