Brazil has joined the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an association country.

They have signed a detailed three-year programme highlighting a range of issues of mutual interest and co-operation.

The IEA believes Brazil’s leading expertise in bioenergy, hydro and other forms of clean and conventional power provides an “excellent” basis to develop solutions for global energy challenges.

It adds the nation has also pioneered the use of auctions for long term renewable energy contracts.

Brazil and the IEA will work together on a range of projects, including the implementation of The Biofuture Platform, which aims to promote international co-ordination on advanced low carbon fuels.

The Agency will also support the development of the country’s 10-year energy efficiency plan.

Fatih Birol, IEA’s Executive Director said: “Brazil’s experience shows that policies do matter. Its determined and ambitious long term energy policies, developing deepwater oil resources and expanding biofuels output set an example to countries around the world.”