Transition Without Direction? A Critical Look at Brazil's National Energy Transition Policy

ABSTRACT This study aims to critically analyze Brazil's National Energy Transition Policy (PNTE) by identifying its strategic pillars, and key challenges in fostering a just and sustainable energy transition. A qualitative research design was adopted, employing documentary research with content analysis of the official policy document (PNTE) and related literature to examine its structure, governance model, and implementation strategies, where the content analysis enabled the identification of four categories that served as the analytical pillars of the study: equity and social inclusion, governance and social participation, planning and implementation, and innovation and technological development. The analysis reveals that, although the PNTE is aligned with global decarbonization goals, it lacks detailed mechanisms for implementation, particularly regarding the promotion of energy equity and technological innovation. The persistence of fossil fuel subsidies, limited clarity on monitoring energy poverty, and fragmented governance frameworks further hinder its effectiveness. The results reveal that, despite its rhetorical alignment with sustainability goals, the PNTE is critically undermined by the absence of concrete indicators, vague commitments to energy poverty reduction, fragile governance integration, and weak investment strategies, exposing a policy more declarative than transformative. These improvements are essential to ensure that the PNTE evolves into a robust, inclusive, and responsive framework capable of guiding Brazil toward a low‐carbon, socially equitable energy future.