Brazil’s National Electricity Conservation Program marks 40 years promoting energy efficiency and innovation

ENBPar is sharing at COP30 its experience in managing an initiative focused on promoting energy savings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and modernizing cities and sustainable buildings. Since its inception, the program has achieved savings of 287 billion kWh of electricity

By ENBPar 

In the year of COP30, Brazil’s National Electricity Conservation Program (PROCEL) marks 40 years as a benchmark for innovation and the efficient use of energy in Brazil. It is an experience the country is sharing at the conference in Belém, Pará.

Created in 1985, the initiative encourages the productive use of electricity and combats waste. It is a public policy of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (Ministério de Minas e Energia/MME), led by the Brazilian Company for Participation in Nuclear and Binational Energy (ENBPar), which plays an essential role in the country’s just energy transition. Since its inception, PROCEL’s energy efficiency actions have generated savings of approximately 287 billion kWh.

“A country committed to energy efficiency and sustainability enhances its global image. This can open doors to new markets and business partnerships,” stated Miguel Marques, Director of Government Program Management at ENBPar.

PROCEL’s most recognized initiative is its seal: a certification that helps consumers identify and choose more energy-efficient equipment and buildings, encouraging the supply of products that consume less electricity. However, the program’s work extends beyond its core, with subprograms operating across various sectors of the economy, always intending to promote the rational use of electricity and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Energy savings

The reduction in electricity consumption provided by PROCEL results from resources allocated by ELETROBRAS and the Global Reversion Reserve, a monthly charge paid by the electricity sector and composed of generators, transmitters, and distributors. The program also relies on international funds and, more recently, on resources established under Law 13,280/2016, which regulates the application of investments aimed at energy efficiency.

Over the last five years, PROCEL’s actions have delivered 114.55 billion kWh in energy savings, with a direct impact on four key areas: fostering the rational use of natural resources; postponing investments; reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; and increasing the country’s competitiveness.

Smart cities

Through the RELUZ subprogram, PROCEL modernizes public lighting in municipalities by replacing old lamps with certified LEDs. This measure reduces electricity costs, improves safety, and promotes local development. New public calls, such as PROCEL RELUZ and PROCEL Zero Energy for Public Buildings, allocate millions of reais to projects that modernize urban infrastructure.

At the same time, PROCEL EDIFICA develops energy-efficient buildings, from design to retrofit, contributing to the decarbonization of the construction sector.

Education

PROCEL Education develops teaching methodologies and materials that bring energy efficiency into classrooms and the broader public, helping form more informed and conscious citizens. Its “Zupt: the energy of life” methodology offers 48 interactive learning experiences for Early Childhood and Elementary Education, teaching students about the responsible use of energy.

Procel

The program combines energy efficiency and competitiveness, supports green neo-industrialization, and improves building performance. Its efforts reinforce Brazil’s leadership in generating and efficiently using renewable energy, showing how public policy can drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.

Learn more about PROCEL and other ENBPar energy-transition-related initiatives here