Renewable energy technologies: patent counts and considerations for energy and climate policy in Brazil

Renewable energy technologies (RETs) are a key solution to help countries overcoming problems associated with energy insecurity, energy shortage, depletion of fossil fuels, increasing energy demand and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Research, development and innovation (R, D& I) have been fundamental for nations to own, adapt, deploy and diffuse RETs, and therefore, to capture the related social, economic and environmental benefits. This article uses patent data to evaluate the Brazilian outputs regarding R&D&I in wind energy, solar photovoltaic, hybrid and electric vehicles and biofuel areas. This investigation also includes a diagnosis of the diffusion of these technologies, as well as institutional and policy factors related to RETs in Brazil. The assessment shows that R, D& I efforts in most of the RETs areas are weak and the country would benefit from increased investment in the development of specific RETs, and also from technology transfer opportunities. Despite a huge potential to capture benefits related to enhancing non-conventional RETs in transportation and in the power sector, the lack of planning and investments to foster R, D&I tends to reduce energy affordability in the long run and would also lead to higher dependence on fossil fuels in the future.