The I-TRACK Foundation is pleased to announce that Brazil has been approved for the issuance of I-TRACK certificates for Biogas and Biomethane (I-TRACK(G)) following the completion of a comprehensive country assessment. The assessment evaluated Brazil’s renewable gas market, regulatory framework, market structure, existing certificate systems, and mechanisms to ensure transparency and prevent double counting of environmental attributes. The approval enables the issuance of I-TRACK(G) in Brazil.
I-TRACK(G) Issuer in Brazil
Instituto Totum has been approved as the I-TRACK(G) Issuer in Brazil. The implementation of I-TRACK(G) builds upon Instituto Totum’s GAS-REC program, which has provided a foundation for renewable gas attribute certification in Brazil and will support the implementation of I-TRACK(G) under the I-TRACK Product Code for Biogas and Biomethane.
Brazil
Brazil represents one of the world’s fastest-growing biomethane markets, with significant production potential supported by its large agricultural, industrial and municipal waste sectors. The country has established a rapidly developing market for renewable gas and is implementing legislation that promotes traceability, market transparency, and the use of environmental attributes to support decarbonization.
Brazil currently has 1,365 biogas and biomethane plants, representing an installed production capacity of approximately 4.6 billion Nm³ per year. The estimated technical potential exceeds 84 billion Nm³ per year, demonstrating significant opportunities for future development.
Brazil’s biogas production is based on a diverse range of feedstocks, including agricultural residues, livestock waste, landfill gas, sewage treatment, and other organic waste sources. Agricultural waste represents the largest number of operating facilities, while sanitation-related projects, particularly landfill gas recovery, account for a significant share of annual production volumes. Over the last ten years, national biogas production has increased by approximately 87%.
The Brazilian natural gas market operates through a hybrid model combining a regulated captive market and a gradually opening free market. The country’s natural gas supply portfolio includes domestic production, including offshore pre-salt and onshore production, pipeline imports from Bolivia through Gasbol, and LNG imports through regasification terminals.
The biomethane market is supported by an evolving regulatory framework. Law No. 14,993/2024 (Fuel of the Future) established the National Program for the Promotion of Biogas and Biomethane and introduced the Certificate of Guarantee of Origin for Biomethane (CGOB) as a mechanism for renewable gas traceability and environmental attribute recognition.
Brazil also has experience with environmental attribute mechanisms through RenovaBio, which enables eligible biofuel producers to generate CBIO decarbonization credits. As multiple instruments develop, including CGOB, GAS-REC, carbon credits, and future I-TRACK(G), ensuring traceability and preventing double counting of environmental attributes remains an important consideration.
The I-TRACK Foundation recognizes the strong momentum behind the development of Brazil’s renewable gas market and welcomes Brazil as the first country approved for the issuance of I-TRACK(G). The I-TRACK Foundation looks forward to supporting market participants as the I-TRACK(G) Code is implemented in Brazil.