Waga Energy, a leader in renewable natural gas (RNG) technology, has announced the establishment of a new subsidiary in São Paulo, Brazil, marking its entry into the South American market. This move aligns with the company’s international expansion strategy, as it already operates in six countries across Europe and North America, reports Bioenergy Insight.
Brazil, home to approximately 3,850 landfill sites, presents a significant opportunity for Waga Energy’s innovative solutions. Many of these sites are equipped with systems to capture biogas, which is naturally produced by the decomposition of organic waste. Recent regulatory changes in Brazil have further incentivized landfill operators to reduce methane emissions, creating a favourable environment for Waga Energy’s technology.
The “Combustível do Futuro” (Fuel of the Future) law, enacted in 2024, plays a pivotal role in promoting renewable energy sources, including RNG, as part of Brazil’s efforts to decarbonize its transportation sector. The law also introduces certificates of guarantee of origin (CGOB) to support decarbonization initiatives. Waga Energy highlighted that RNG addresses three critical economic and environmental challenges for Brazil: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, enhancing energy independence by reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports, and transforming waste into a valuable energy resource.
The integration of RNG into Brazil’s energy mix is also a key component of the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, which it signed in September 2016. Brazil has set ambitious targets, including a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a goal to incorporate 10% RNG into its gas network, with an initial target of 1% by 2026.
Mathieu Lefebvre, Chairman and CEO of Waga Energy Group, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, stating, “We are proud to open this new subsidiary. Brazil offers great potential for the growth of our innovative industrial solution, with numerous landfill sites and significant environmental challenges. Our WAGABOX technology provides added value to landfill site managers and offers clean, local, and renewable energy for Brazilians. We are ready to take up the challenge: to support, in our way, the country in its decarbonization goals and to contribute to its fight against climate change.”
To lead its Brazilian operations, Waga Energy has appointed Álvaro Ferreira, a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience in the industrial gas, natural gas, and renewable gas sectors. Ferreira has managed projects across Brazil, South America, and Southeast Asia, holding leadership roles at White Martins (Linde/Praxair group) and GNLink (Lorinvest group) in both Brazil and China.
Ferreira commented, “Our patented, disruptive technology has proven its potential on European and North American markets. We are equipped to offer solutions adapted to the size and goals of Brazil’s energy transition.”
With its new subsidiary, Waga Energy aims to leverage its cutting-edge WAGABOX technology to support Brazil’s environmental and energy objectives, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
