Brazilian Energy Sector Research Articles

Knowledge Management Barriers in the Brazilian Energy Sector

Paper aims: Nowadays, there are happening profoundly changes in the energy sector worldwide. The principal innovations are sustainability, the growing share of renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency. Knowledge Management (KM) is a critical process in energy companies. KM implementation is harmfully affected by factors known as KM barriers. This paper aims to identify those barriers. Originality: Knowledge management is fundamental to most organizations’ strategy and operations in the energy sector. However, the energy companies need to overcome KM barriers. These issues are rarely addressed in the literature. Research method: This empirical, theoretical study is a qualitative approach, descriptive and exploratory. The research adopts the single case study method, having semi-structured interviews and participant observation to identify KM barriers. Main findings: Results demonstrate that the lack of incentive from top management, lack of motivation for sharing, staff retention hardship, and focusing merely on operations efficiency was identified as the main barriers to develop KM. Implications for theory and practice: These perspectives have not been explored yet and shall open a new approach to knowledge management implementation in energy companies. It offers practical guidance for diffusing and deploying KM initiatives in the energy sector.

A Data-Centric Approach for Wind Plant Instance-Level Segmentation Using Semantic Segmentation and GIS

Wind energy is one of Brazil’s most promising energy sources, and the rapid growth of wind plants has increased the need for accurate and efficient inspection methods. The current onsite visits, which are laborious and costly, have become unsustainable due to the sheer scale of wind plants across the country. This study proposes a novel data-centric approach integrating semantic segmentation and GIS to obtain instance-level predictions of wind plants by using free orbital satellite images. Additionally, we introduce a new annotation pattern, which includes wind turbines and their shadows, leading to a larger object size. The elaboration of data collection used the panchromatic band of the China–Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) 4A, with a 2-m spatial resolution, comprising 21 CBERS 4A scenes and more than 5000 wind plants annotated manually. This database has 5021 patches, each with 128 × 128 spatial dimensions. The deep learning model comparison involved evaluating six architectures and three backbones, totaling 15 models. The sliding windows approach allowed us to classify large areas, considering different pass values to obtain a balance between performance and computational time. The main results from this study include: (1) the LinkNet architecture with the Efficient-Net-B7 backbone was the best model, achieving an intersection over union score of 71%; (2) the use of smaller stride values improves the recognition process of large areas but increases computational power, and (3) the conversion of raster to polygon in GIS platforms leads to highly accurate instance-level predictions. This entire pipeline can be easily applied for mapping wind plants in Brazil and be expanded to other regions worldwide. With this approach, we aim to provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for inspecting and monitoring wind plants, contributing to the sustainability of the wind energy sector in Brazil and beyond.

Green jobs as an ethical alternative to achieve a low carbon economy

The world has increasingly demanded work alternatives that allow the combination of human capacities and potentials aimed at sustainable development and the decarbonization of business activities. Elaborated as a sustainable alternative, finding environmental protection and raising decent work, Green Jobs emerges as an ethical solution supporting a low carbon economy. Initiatives by global entities such as the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the International Employers' Organization (IOE) and the International Trade Union Confederation (CSI), present elements that are essential for the discussions and the articulation between contemporary concepts, in order to direct sustainable economic progress and social well-being. Therefore, the present work has shown initiatives that are moving towards a transition to a low carbon economy, based on economic activities that favor decarbonization, with a focus on the renewable energy sector in Brazil. The research method is characterized as qualitative with documentary procedure. As a result, the potential generation of green jobs stands out, especially in emerging countries, highlighting the possibilities of it to this sector in the Brazilian context. It was concluded that economic activities based on the green economy can generate new forms of production intended towards sustainable development, covering more dimensions than just the environmental one

Prosumer integration into the Brazilian energy sector: An overview of innovative business models and regulatory challenges

Considering the Brazilian energy policy's future, the perspective of a more decentralized energy system must be accounted for in the face of technological, business, and energy matrix changes. Therefore, the prosumer's figure combined with new Business Models (BM) brings opportunities and challenges for the sector. This paper aims to solidify knowledge, identify and understand the main regulatory barriers and enablers for the development of prosumers and prosumer-driven BMs in the Brazilian energy market. A comprehensive review of existing regulations provides a starting point for improving the relevant legal frameworks for prosumers' aggregation. Then, an analysis of innovative BMs in the Brazilian regulatory framework is carried out, seeking to guide the decisions for the country to develop its political and regulatory environment in the future. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to promote prosumers aggregation in the Brazilian energy sector. We conclude that the main barriers to prosumers' integration are of regulatory and technological nature, and the exploration of innovative BMs is crucial for the sector development. Redefining the role and responsibilities of utilities is a key factor, together with exploring collective self-consumption.

Assessing the Brazilian Electric Sector’s Financial Monitoring Milestone

The Brazilian energy sector adopted a new regulation system in 2015 due to a system collapse threat. The system was changed to contractually incorporate firms’ economic-financial monitoring. This paper aims to assess the progress of this monitoring model toward achieving its goals. Thus, we proceed with a triangulation with three analyses. First, we analyse the literature to indicate if the economic-financial monitoring shows a hybrid form of adoption as suggested by the literature as the most suitable towards achieving regulatory goals. Second, we verify the perception of the economic-financial monitoring efficiency by the regulatory agency. Third, we evaluate the behaviour of some financial indicators before and after the new regulation. Our results show that, first, the economic-financial monitoring adopts a hybrid form which may drives better monitoring. Second, the perception of the regulator regarding efficiency of the financial monitoring model is favourable. Third, our results show that the sector leverage and profitability variances were significantly reduced after the implementation of financial monitoring which indicates less Asymmetric Information and consequently, better monitoring. In general, our results indicate some uncertainty reduction and more uniform behaviour of the entire sector after adopting an economic-financial monitoring system.

Investigation of ethyl biodiesel via transesterification of rice bran oil: bioenergy from residual biomass in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil

The energy sector in Brazil produces liquid biofuels as bioethanol and biodiesel. The most common technique to produce biodiesel is the transesterification of oils extracted from biomass. Rice processing generates grain bran, an agricultural residue. Brazil is one of the main countries that produce this grain. Therefore, the objective of this study was to produce a renewable biofuel using vegetable oil from grain bran via homogeneous basic transesterification. There are only three experimental studies reported in the literature on the production of biodiesel from rice bran oil via alkaline transesterification. Furthermore, the studies do not include results regarding biodiesel acidity, iodine, saponification and moisture content. Although potassium hydroxide (KOH) is the most commonly deployed alkaline catalyst in industrial biodiesel production, there are no reports regarding ethyl biodiesel production using rice bran oil with this catalyst. Therefore, this study applied a factorial arrangement in the experimental phase to produce ethyl biodiesel from rice bran oil using KOH as a catalyst on transesterification. The factors including reaction time, alcohol/oil molar ratio and amount of catalyst allowed to determine the best conditions for biodiesel production. To determine the viability of the biodiesel production, it was necessary to analyze the main parameters required by the national standards, which were kinematic viscosity, iodine index, acidity index, saponification index and moisture. All the yielded biodiesel were complied with the standards of ANP, ASTM and EN, except kinematic viscosity, which ranged from 8.061 to 22.791 mm2s-1. According to the conditions of the factorial arrangement, the calculated kinematic viscosity indicated the need to raise the proportion of catalyst and/or the molar ratio between ethanol and KOH The lower kinematic viscosity, around 8–9 mm2s-1, occurred with 1.5% catalyst and, in general, with molar ratio 9:1. These results suggest that future studies could explore the production of high-quality ethyl biodiesel using rice bran vegetable oil. According to the results, it represents a viable possibility to produce fully renewable and sustainable biodiesel within the socio-economic, environmental and agricultural context in Brazil.

Photovoltaic systems in residences: A concept of efficiency energy consumption and sustainability in brazilian culture

The production of energy can generate environmental impacts due to related factors such as the use of fossil fuels for a mechanical generation or even by flooding to reservoirs. The relevance of the subject refers to the strong urgency of better methods for optimization in the Brazilian energy sector, such as distributed generation, which is the focus of the research. Considering the concern with efficient energy consumption and sustainability, this work identifies potential aspects for the implementation of photovoltaic systems in residences. The applied method approach: a comprehensive literature review; institutional government sources and information provided by energy companies; two questionnaires involving specialists and decision makers limited to the residential sector; the Analytical Hierarchical Process as a tool to assist in the decision making of the identified aspects and a case study. As a result, six most relevant aspects were obtained, “lack of knowledge about the topic”; “lack of priority”; “cultural”; “standardization of standards”; “lack of influencers” and “costs”, divided into two classification groups, internal and external factors, and energy savings of 50% monthly in the case study compared to the tariff paid for the conventional concessionaire. Through the identification of the most important aspects of solar photovoltaic systems in residences, it was possible to propose guidelines: the dissemination of the solar source in schools; the standardization of standards between states and a national standard for photovoltaic solar energy with a scope similar to ISO 50001 (energy management systems - requirements with guidelines for use); correct dimensioning of the system and management of energy consumption demand.

UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF THE BRAZILIAN MARKET FOR NATIVE FOREST WOOD: A CASE STUDY FOR MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT Understanding the Brazilian market for native wood helps forest managers and can guide conservation policies. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of supply and demand of the Brazilian native wood for four products namely, charcoal, roundwood, firewood, and sawn wood. We used the consumed wood volume from 2006 to 2016 in Minas Gerais (MG) tracking its supplier in Brazil accounting for 31 million cubic meters. These data were used as input for calculating mean centers and performing grouping analysis. The wood supply centers for the energy sector in Brazil have moved from Cerrado to the Caatinga biome. This change is consistent with historical patterns of agricultural expansion in Brazil. The largest mesoregions producing wood were: East of Mato Grosso do Sul State, South of Goiás State, and Center-South of Bahia State. The solid wood supply centers have moved from the North to Midwest regions but remained within the Amazon biome for almost all the years. This pattern is likely a consequence of timber regulation practices in the Amazon. The mesoregions: Madeira-Guaporé and East of Rondônia State, Southeast and Northeast of Pará State, and North of Mato Grosso State were the most important suppliers of solid wood to MG. Wood consumption for energy is centered in the Center and North regions of MG State, especially in Sete Lagoas, a hub of pig iron and cement industries. Solid wood products are dispersed in MG State, being Belo Horizonte, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Ubá, and Uberlândia the distribution centers of native wood for the furniture industry within MG. The spatial statistics helped to exploit the activity of the native wood market in Brazil and provides essential information for decision-makers that was not previously available.

DESENVOLVIMENTO E SUSTENTABILIDADE NO SETOR ELÉTRICO BRASILEIRO

O desenvolvimento sustentável é caracterizado principalmente pela tomada de decisões e ações que levem em consideração características ambientais e sociais de modo a promover o desenvolvimento econômico com responsabilidade com o ecossistema como um todo, com os elementos naturais e o com ser humano e o meio ambiente. O objetivo deste artigo é compreender como o desenvolvimento sustentável está sendo adotado no ramo energético brasileiro e como o contexto social pode auxiliar no avanço desse novo modelo de desenvolvimento. Para ilustrar, usaremos como estudo de caso a empresa Eletrobras. A metodologia utilizada é revisão de literatura, sendo os principais teóricos Saldanha (2012) e Cabral (2009). Conclui-se que o pensamento sustentável nos negócios é uma ideia-força que vem crescendo, mas que ainda precisa enfrentar alguns desafios, como o alto custo no início da sua implementação, para se consolidar como uma estratégia de mercado que combine valores sociais, ambientais e econômicos.

When is the sun going to shine for the Brazilian energy sector? A story of how modelling affects solar electricity

The energy sector has a vital role in climate change mitigation. In Brazil, the electricity generation sector is strongly dependent on hydropower generation, but thermoelectricity contribution has increased leading to a more carbon-intensive electricity mix. This trend will be aggravated with the expected significant increase in the electricity demand until 2050 and with the potential limitation of hydropower generation expansion due to environmental constraints. The extent of the role of solar power to overcome these challenges in the future has been hidden by energy modelling assumptions. A review on how solar energy has been considered in different models, was performed. The research further assessed the relevance of assumptions by developing an optimization model to explore the cost-effectiveness of solar electricity large-scale deployment up to 2050. The work found that most published solar energy assessments based on long-term energy modelling for Brazil currently are not updated regarding several assumptions, leading to models results where solar appears with a marginal role. The energy modeling exercise shows solar PV is cost-effective for Brazil, providing more than 36% of total electricity in 2050. This is a different conclusion from the energy and power modeling exercises conducted until now, where solar deployment has been underestimated.

Decision-Making Process for Photovoltaic Solar Energy Sector Development using Fuzzy Cognitive Map Technique

Photovoltaic Solar Energy (PSE) sector has sparked great interest from governments over the last decade towards diminution of world’s dependency to fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions reduction and global warming mitigation. Photovoltaic solar energy also holds a significant role in the transition to sustainable energy systems. These systems and their optimal exploitation require an effective supply chain management system, such as design of the network, collection, storage, or transportation of this energy resource, without disregarding a country’s certain socio-economic and political conditions. In Brazil, the adoption of photovoltaic solar energy has been motivated not only by the energy matrix diversification but also from the shortages, problems, and barriers that the Brazilian energy sector has faced, lately. However, PSE development is affected by various factors with high uncertainty, such as political, social, economic, and environmental, that include critical operational sustainability issues. Thus, an elaborate modelling of energy management and a well-structured decision support process are needed to enhance the performance efficiency of Brazilian PSE supply chain management. This study focuses on the investigation of certain factors and their influence on the development of the Brazilian PSE with the help of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps. Fuzzy Cognitive Map is an established methodology for scenario analysis and management in diverse domains, inheriting the advancements of fuzzy logic and neural networks. In this context, a semi-quantitative model was designed with the help of various stakeholders from the specific energy domain and three plausible scenarios were conducted in order to support a decision-making process on PSE sector development and the country’s economic potential. The outcome of this analysis reveals that the development of the PSE sector in Brazil is mainly affected by economic and political factors.

Piezoeletricity as an Alternative Source of Electric Power Generation in an Education Institution in the Amazon

The development of technologies for the generation of clean and sustainable energy has brought significant changes to the energy sector in Brazil and worldwide. The newest technology is piezoelectricity, which although it has been studied for years, has not yet gained its proper space in the national and international electrical matrices. With this in mind, the present work aims to describe the process of installing a prototype carpet using piezoelectric ceramics that, through a force applied by any individual, is capable of generating enough energy for the operation of a turnstile in a HEI from Manaus-AM. The application was tested by modeling applying mathematical equations in the working of the prototype developed by APC International. Different answers were obtained considering the different dimensions for the piezoelectric parts. However, it is understood that this energy production model, treated as a new technology, presents economic viability in its implementation. One of the results demonstrates that the smaller the ceramic piece, the greater the energy production and can be adapted over time to respond to large productions. Thus, it is concluded from the calculations made that piezoelectric ceramics is an excellent alternative for the production of clean energy on a small scale, in a short time, and in the long term can reach large scale.

Transformative innovation policy for solar energy: particularities of a developing country

The study of transformative policies and how they can promote the spread of a technology connects interests among different actors such as government, industry, and academia, who seek solutions for the use of renewable energy, among them solar energy. This study investigates transformative innovation policy for the solar PV energy in Brazil from a sociotechnical perspective of innovation and suggests ways to better promote this technology in Brazil. This study was based on data from two different information sources: (1) in-depth interviews with actors in the Brazilian national innovation system; and (2) secondary data from energy sector in Brazil. With an analysis that is unprecedented for Brazil, the study presents a proposal for transformative innovation policies for the sociotechnical transition process of solar energy in Brazil. The results indicate the need for incentive policies to develop the Brazilian domestic solar panel industry across the whole value chain, as well as for the definition of policies to encourage technological innovation and the formation of cooperation networks among the actors of the system as key elements to promote and disseminate this technology in Brazil.

Do characteristics of the regulatory content have different impact on the risk in the electricity sector?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine if the Brazilian electricity sector is differently affected by the characteristics of the content in the regulatory legislation.Design/methodology/approachFor better robustness of the research, the authors analyzed the period from 1995 to 2013, totaling 4,510 observations. To this end, the selection of regulatory legislation was conducted through Markov regime switching. To identify the characteristics of profile and intensity of regulatory content in each legislation, we applied the content analysis technique.FindingsThe main findings of this study position this research in the vanguard regarding other research in the area by showing that all regulatory measures whose characteristics denote market profile of strong and medium intensity affect the risk of electric utilities in Brazil. As contribution from this research, it can be hypothesized that for provisional measures/laws events, the profile and intensity of regulatory content are relevant and have different impact on the risk of stocks and, therefore, should be considered in the design and development of public policies.Originality/valueThe paper investigates by means of content analysis, the profile and intensity characteristics of the content present in the regulatory legislation and to present the impact of these characteristics on the risk of the electric energy Sector in Brazil. The research results showed that it is not all regulatory events that impact the stock market. Therefore, regulatory risk estimates must consider the intensity and scope of each legislation, given that legislation with a higher regulatory content that seeks to modify the sector’s operating rules more deeply tends to have a greater impact on the risk of companies that operate in regulated sectors. Therefore, the paper shows originality and evolution for the researchers in the area, with new and significant information.

Technology transfer and technological capability: the regulator's role in the adoption of solar photovoltaics in Brazil

The adoption of a new technology is highly associated with human capital, support infrastructure and research and development activities. This paper aims to analyse the technology transfer process and the internal technological capabilities building of power companies in the solar photovoltaics (PV) sector. The research subjects were the electric power companies (proponents); research institutions (executors) and service and equipment suppliers that submit projects to the call of ANEEL for R&D Strategic Projects No. 013/2011. Analysing the development of these projects, it is possible to affirm that there was a need for a learning process to understand, use and replicate the technology, including the ability to choose and adapt to local conditions and integrate it with national technologies. In general, efforts have been identified to implement engineering projects, but this could not be characterised as a construction of a national technological capability in the Brazilian PV energy sector.

CHALLENGES FACED BY FOREIGN INVESTORS IN THE BRAZIL’S ENERGY SECTOR

The Brazilian energy sector suffered constantly changes during the past years. The process of transformation looked for a competitive market aiming funds to develop infrastructure in Brazil. Foreign investment is necessary to develop and strengthen the energy market, but the sector still present some challenges to be faced by the foreign investors. As consequence, some questions shall be raised in connection with the real effectiveness of mechanisms imposed to foreign investment at its entrance in the Brazilian energy sector. Does the Brazilian legal framework provide legal certainty to the foreign investors interested in investing in the energy sector? The objective of this article is to provide an overview of reform made to the energy market and current hindrances to the investor’s entry in such sector.

CHALLENGES FACED BY FOREIGN INVESTORS IN THE BRAZIL’S ENERGY SECTOR

The Brazilian energy sector suffered constantly changes during the past years. The process of transformation looked for a competitive market aiming funds to develop infrastructure in Brazil. Foreign investment is necessary to develop and strengthen the energy market, but the sector still present some challenges to be faced by the foreign investors. As consequence, some questions shall be raised in connection with the real effectiveness of mechanisms imposed to foreign investment at its entrance in the Brazilian energy sector. Does the Brazilian legal framework provide legal certainty to the foreign investors interested in investing in the energy sector? The objective of this article is to provide an overview of reform made to the energy market and current hindrances to the investor’s entry in such sector.

CHALLENGES FACED BY FOREIGN INVESTORS IN THE BRAZIL’S ENERGY SECTOR

The Brazilian energy sector suffered constantly changes during the past years. The process of transformation looked for a competitive market aiming funds to develop infrastructure in Brazil. Foreign investment is necessary to develop and strengthen the energy market, but the sector still present some challenges to be faced by the foreign investors. As consequence, some questions shall be raised in connection with the real effectiveness of mechanisms imposed to foreign investment at its entrance in the Brazilian energy sector. Does the Brazilian legal framework provide legal certainty to the foreign investors interested in investing in the energy sector? The objective of this article is to provide an overview of reform made to the energy market and current hindrances to the investor’s entry in such sector.

Analysis of biogas produced by the anaerobic digestion of sludge generated at wastewater treatment plants in the South of Minas Gerais, Brazil as a potential energy source

This study aimed to evaluate the biogas energy potential of the anaerobic digestion of sludge generated in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The estimate included the economic feasibility analysis of thermoelectric power plants (TPP) using biogas in the context of the Brazilian energy sector. The research began with the analysis of physicochemical characteristics. Examinations performed were total solids, fixed solids, volatile solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, pH and total Kjeldahl nitrogen, of the sludge from the WWTPs of each of the cities studied. The sludge samples were biodigested, and the biogas production capacity was evaluated. The sludge samples were obtained from a region with a total population of 420,825 inhabitants, as estimated in 2017. The area is composed of the municipalities of Varginha, Pouso Alegre, Santa Rita do Sapucaí and Itajubá. Estimate of biogas generation and the corresponding values of usable power and electrical energy generated for each of the municipalities in this region were carried out. The results showed that the most significant CH4 production values were: Varginha (52.71%), Pouso Alegre (42.12%), Santa Rita do Sapucai (18.84%), Itajubá – with heating (49.98%) and Itajubá – without heating (48.41%). Pouso Alegre presented the largest reduction in BOD (59.62%), Varginha the highest decrease in TVS (38.03%) and Santa Rita do Sapucaí, in TKN (38.91%). However, the last city had the highest amount of H2S in the biogas, 11.0 (ppm). This region could theoretically generate a total of 23.6 GWh/year of energy, and the municipality of Pouso Alegre presented the highest theoretical usable power potential (329.40 kW), while Varginha showed the lowest value (71.39 kW). However, economic viability calculations indicated the economic impracticality of constructing TPPs in the four treatment stations analyzed, demonstrating the need to implement public policies to support the generation of energy from renewable sources such as residual biomass from sanitation services.

Sensibility analysis of MCDA using prospective in Brazilian energy sector

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a hybrid modelling that combines concepts and techniques for scenario building together with a Multi-criteria Decision Aid (MCDA) outranking approach. The paper presents a case to illustrate the proposed methodology.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is a qualitative and quantitative mixture and it is presented as a study case. Bibliographic research is used to construct the theoretical framework. There are a number of studies that develop a sensibility analysis in MCDA modelling; however, none of them explore the robustness of the MCDA solution with use of scenarios variation.FindingsThe methodology allows the criteria that must be taken into account, according to the decision makers’ values and preferences. It is interesting to note that, depending on the scenario, different weights were applied for each criterion, and the performances of alternatives under each criterion has changed as well.Practical implicationsThis need arises in decision problems that are susceptible to the influence of scenario variation.Originality/valueThis proposal was applied to a real case that has taken into account six alternatives, with a prospective analysis of three scenarios, evaluated by four criteria. The authors use prospective scenarios to choose the criterion weights and alternatives evaluation.