Initiative facilitated by AXIA Energia, which holds a 40% stake in the power plant, expands the company's support for businesses seeking access to new environmental asset markets and strengthens solutions that support the energy transition.
Foz do Chapecó Energia S.A. (FCE), the company responsible for the operation and management of the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant in southern Brazil, has established an international carbon credit commercialisation channel through Ameron Energies AG. The initiative was made possible by AXIA Energia, which owns a 40% shareholding in FCE, and reinforces the company's strategy of supporting portfolio companies in accessing new environmental asset markets while developing solutions that contribute to the energy transition.
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A strategic partner of AXIA, Ameron Energies AG is a Swiss company specialising in the origination, structuring and international commercialisation of environmental assets, connecting Brazilian projects with corporate buyers worldwide. Through this new initiative, FCE expands its opportunities to monetise the environmental attributes associated with the renewable electricity generated by the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant, located on the Uruguay River between the municipalities of Águas de Chapecó, in the state of Santa Catarina, and Alpestre, in Rio Grande do Sul. The power plant has an installed capacity of 855 MW and generates enough electricity to supply approximately five million homes.
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"The launch of this international carbon credit commercialisation channel demonstrates how AXIA Energia, a company powered entirely by renewable energy, can create value for clients and partners by combining sector expertise, strong market relationships and a long-term perspective. This initiative connects Brazilian renewable assets with new global opportunities and reinforces our commitment to solutions that support the energy transition. We are extremely optimistic about helping businesses—and, in the future, consumers—achieve their sustainability goals," said Cecilia Essinger, Executive Manager of Product Structuring and Environmental Assets at AXIA Energia.
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The 10,000 carbon credits traded represent an equivalent volume of greenhouse gas emissions avoided through the generation of renewable electricity under Project 896 – Foz do Chapecó Project, which is registered under Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). Verra is a non-profit organisation that develops internationally recognised standards for the voluntary carbon market. The project recognises the contribution of low-emission hydropower generation to Brazil's National Interconnected System (SIN) by displacing more carbon-intensive sources of electricity and supporting greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
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"This first transaction marks an important milestone in expanding the presence of Brazilian carbon credits in international markets. Brazil is uniquely positioned to establish itself as one of the world's leading exporters of environmental attributes, supported by an electricity matrix that is approximately 88% renewable, according to the Energy Research Office (EPE). The implementation of Law No. 15,042/2024 is also expected to stimulate new projects targeting compliance carbon markets both in Brazil and internationally. The partnership between AXIA Energia and Ameron aims to accelerate the internationalisation of these assets by connecting Brazilian projects with global buyers and increasing the value generated by Brazil's environmental assets," said Eduardo Posch, Director of Carbon Markets at Ameron Energies AG.
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In addition to bringing the parties together, AXIA Energia identified the commercial opportunity and supported the structuring of the transaction. The new commercialisation channel also contributes to diversifying revenue streams and enhancing the international visibility of the environmental attributes associated with the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant. For international buyers and intermediaries, these carbon credits provide an opportunity to acquire environmental attributes linked to a renewable energy asset in Brazil.
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"The establishment of this new commercialisation channel reinforces Foz do Chapecó Energia's commitment to maximising the value of its environmental attributes and continuously pursuing solutions that enhance the sustainability of its business. We remain fully committed to consolidating this initiative, strengthening our presence in the carbon market and ensuring that the renewable electricity generated by the power plant continues to deliver environmental benefits recognised both nationally and internationally," said Otávio Rennó Grilo, Director of Foz do Chapecó Energia.
About AXIA Energia
AXIA Energia, the largest 100% renewable energy company in the Southern Hemisphere, is responsible for approximately 17% of Brazil's electricity generation capacity and 37% of the transmission lines within the National Interconnected System (SIN). The company operates 81 power plants, comprising 47 hydroelectric facilities, 33 wind farms and one solar power plant.
About Ameron Energies AG
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Ameron Energies AG is a Swiss company specialising in the origination, structuring and international commercialisation of environmental assets. With a global presence, the company connects asset owners, project developers, corporate buyers and validation and verification bodies to deliver projects with the highest levels of environmental integrity. Ameron focuses primarily on compliance carbon markets, supporting the internationalisation of projects that meet the world's leading environmental standards.
About Foz do Chapecó Energia S.A.
For the past 15 years, Foz do Chapecó Energia S.A. has been generating renewable electricity, producing more than 57 million MWh by the end of 2024 and contributing to the security and reliability of Brazil's National Interconnected System (SIN). The company operates under an Operating Licence issued by IBAMA, Brazil's federal environmental agency, and complies with 53 environmental licence conditions through the implementation of 22 environmental programmes covering biodiversity conservation, environmental monitoring, environmental education, ecosystem restoration and community engagement.
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Certified to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standard, the company also manages approximately 5,000 hectares of Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs) surrounding the reservoir, reinforcing its commitment to conserving natural resources, promoting sustainability and creating long-term environmental value.
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