Navigating the challenges of renewable energy transition in emerging economies : insights from Brazil

Renewable energy (RE) transition has been considered the new generation of solutions for reducing the high dependence on fossil fuels. However, there is a lack of understanding of the energy challenges that prompt RE development. Therefore, we aim to identify the main challenges which energy policy must overcome to achieve a renewable energy system (RES) in emerging countries. We conducted 27 semistructured interviews with key stakeholders involved in shaping sustainable innovation policies in Brazil. Based on five challenging factors, we identify the main challenges and propose actions to mitigate them toward developing a RES. Our results show that the Brazilian context comprises subchallenges: lack of a consolidated national industry, policy and program consolidation, innovation actors, environmental and awareness activities. In addition, the findings show many opportunities regarding electric mobility and Industry 4.0. Our results can support policymakers' decisions regarding energy

transition challenges and ways to overcome the related problems not only in Brazil but also in other developing countries. [Publisher's text]