Environmental licensing and energy policy regulating utility-scale solar photovoltaic installations in Brazil: status and future perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACTProcurement auctions have been the main mechanism to ensure the deployment of utility-scale solar photovoltaic installations (USSPVI) in Brazil. To participate in the auction, investors must comply with all established requirements. In the solar case, the criteria incorporate State environmental licensing regulations (EL). The procurement auctions are a nationwide competition whereas the environmental licensing for those projects are under state jurisdiction. The lack of national guidance to licensing USSPVI might cause significant movement of projects to States whose EL procedures require fewer studies. This work examines the role of environmental licensing in the energy planning for USSPVI in Brazil. Analysing the 27 state regulations establishing the screening requirements that subject EIA to USSPVI, there are uneven threshold criteria to determine whether the plant will go through simplified licensing or regular process. There is also a need for studies tackling strategic environmental assessment for wind and solar expansion in Brazil. Specifically, incorporation of community concerns, public participation, and environmental constraints into the early stages of decision-making to prevent impacts and conflicts.