Brazilian MME Opens Public Consultation on 2026 Emission-reduction Targets, Boosting the Biomethane Market
On October 17, 2025, Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) launched a public consultation on the proposed annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-reduction targets for 2026, to be met by participants in the natural gas market through the acquisition of biomethane or Biomethane Guarantee of Origin Certificates (CGOBs).
The proposal is framed within the Future Fuel Law (Law No. 14,933/2024), recently regulated by Decree No. 12,614/2025, which established the National Program for Decarbonization of Natural Gas Producers and Importers and for the Promotion of Biomethane (the “Program”). The Program sets mandatory decarbonization targets for natural gas producers and importers, to be achieved either through direct use of biomethane or by acquiring CGOBs.
In summary, the draft resolution proposes that the annual GHG-reduction target for 2026 be set at 0.25%, to be met by the obligated agents in the natural gas sector. It also establishes the following carbon-intensity values, to be used in converting the target into an equivalent volume of biomethane:
- Vehicular Natural Gas (GNV): 76.85 gCO₂eq/MJ
- Natural Gas for power generation: 136.11 gCO₂eq/MJ
- Biomethane: 8.55 gCO₂eq/MJ
This regulatory agenda is particularly relevant in the run-up to COP-30, as Brazil seeks to consolidate its global leadership in decarbonization and carbon markets. The measure also aligns with the ongoing structuring of the Brazilian Emissions Trading System, reinforcing the convergence between sector-specific emission-reduction policies and the future implementation of a mandatory national carbon market.
For the obligated entities, the proposal offers an opportunity to anticipate regulatory and strategic adjustments to the new decarbonization targets for the sector, as well as to contribute to the final design of the rule. The public consultation will remain open for submissions until November 30, 2025.
The Environmental, Climate Change & Sustainability Practice of Tauil & Chequer Advogados associated with Mayer Brown is available to provide further information and support in preparing contributions to the consultation process.
