Coppe Advances the Electrification Debate through the AcoplaRE Project
Planeta COPPE / Transport Engineering / News
Date: 16/06/2025
On June 4 and 5, Coppe/UFRJ hosted the 5th Workshop of the AcoplaRE Project (Sector Coupling and Green Economy), a high-impact initiative aimed at promoting integration between the energy, transportation, and industrial sectors as a strategy to accelerate the decarbonization of the Brazilian economy.
With a focus on research, development, and innovation in public urban electromobility, the event brought together experts from various institutions and represented another important step in the construction of concrete solutions to the challenges of Brazil’s energy transition. Coppe’s active participation reinforced the institution’s role as a technical and scientific reference in the formulation of sustainable and innovative public policies.
During the workshop, Coppe’s Director, Professor Suzana Kahn, emphasized the urgency of integrated approaches:
“Sector coupling is essential at this moment when we seek to accelerate decarbonization in Brazil. Traditionally, this process has been addressed in a siloed and fragmented manner. However, it is through integration and joint action among different sectors that we will truly be able to reduce emissions and enhance the performance of the national economy.”
Coppe contributed by presenting strategic projects in the areas of urban mobility, industry, and technological innovation. Professor Andrea Santos, from the Transportation Engineering Program (PET), also took part as a member of the Research Working Group, which is tasked with formulating public policy recommendations for the electrification of the transportation sector in Brazil.
“This project is fundamental for the development of public policies that connect energy and transportation—two key sectors for decarbonizing the Brazilian economy,” stated Andrea Santos.
What is the AcoplaRE Project?
The AcoplaRE Project is an initiative of the Brazil-Germany Cooperation for Sustainable Development, implemented by GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) in partnership with the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME). The project aims to establish viable and sustainable pathways for Brazil’s energy transition by bringing together government, businesses, municipalities, and research institutions.
Structured around three key pillars—Mobility, Industry, and Research—AcoplaRE is already impacting five Brazilian municipalities through technical assistance for the decarbonization of urban transport. It also explores alternatives for industrial electrification using renewable sources and develops public policy proposals focused on social and gender equity.
With technical meetings ongoing since 2024, the research group will remain active until June 2026, when it is expected to present a comprehensive set of recommendations grounded in evidence and interdisciplinary studies.
“The meeting at Coppe was particularly meaningful as it brought the academic and technical perspectives of one of the country’s leading research institutions,” Professor Andrea added.