The role of natural gas in the energy transition and pathways for developing the Brazilian market were the central theme of discussions at LATAM Energy Week 2026, held from April 8 to 10 at the Fairmont Hotel in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. TBG took part in a panel titled “Natural Gas as a Transition Energy Source: Infrastructure, Market and Regional Integration,” which featured the company’s CEO, Jorge Hijjar, as one of the invited panelists.

During his remarks, Hijjar emphasized that natural gas has increasingly established itself not only as a transition fossil fuel but also as a complementary energy source that coexists with renewable sources, helping ensure the system’s sustainability.

He also highlighted the need to expand transportation infrastructure and make progress in regulatory harmonization as key conditions for unlocking investment and increasing gas supply in Brazil.

“By expanding access to supply sources, we expand availability and create the conditions for a more competitive market, with a tendency toward lower prices in the long term,” Hijjar noted.

In the opening session, the mining and energy minister, Alexandre Silveira, emphasized that, even in the context of war, Brazil has been less affected and holds an advantage on the global stage compared to other countries. According to him, this is due to the country’s diversified energy mix and progress in policies that have strengthened energy security and supported a self-sufficiency strategy.

“Brazil is ahead of other countries thanks to its diversified energy supplies and its ability to move forward with its own strategy,” he said, emphasizing the need to eliminate dependence on imports.

Regional integration—especially with neighboring Mercosul countries—and the expansion of natural gas access to inland regions were also identified as priorities for the sector’s growth and for addressing unmet demand in Brazil.

In addition to Hijjar, the panel, moderated by CNN journalist Fernando Nakagawa, included Renato Dutra, national secretary for oil, natural gas and biofuels at the Mining and Energy Ministry; Luiz Gavazza, CEO of Bahiagás; and Alejandro Catalano, CEO of Pan American Energy, bringing together perspectives from the public sector, regulators and the business world.
 

About the event

LATAM Energy Week is the leading forum for strategic dialogue on the future of energy in Brazil, bringing together the sector’s key decision-makers for a week dedicated to high-level content, networking and agenda-setting.