Brazilian Energy Sector Research Articles

Ecological Payback in National Energy Matrix: Analysis of Wind Energy Expansion

Sustainable development concern has become subject of recurrent discussions over the last years due to the duet large greenhouse gases emissions and world growth, especially in developing countries. Electrical sector is one of the major segments responsible for greenhouse gases emissions, but also the one in which modern society depends the most for life standard maintenance, economic and social activities. A renewable source considered in Brazilian energy sector expansion is wind power, which has a 143 GW potential. As such, the paper aims to estimate environmental impacts (CO2 emission) involved in wind power plants construction phase and return time for compensating these emissions during operation. Ecological payback is developed through CO2 emission analysis of different energy sectors required as inputs in construction and final emission reduction due to this “clean” power plant operation in national electrical matrix. Estimation of economic and environmental impacts is based on input-output methodology, using a 2004 matrix for Brazilian economy. Results point out for a maximum payback period of 4 months in worst case scenario, and major pollution contribution of Steel and Products Manufacturing during construction.

Environmental considerations in energy planning for the Amazon region: Downstream effects of dams

The most salient current feature of the electric energy sector in Brazil is the pressing need for expansion. In this context, the hydroelectric resources of the Amazon region are considered a competitive alternative despite the structural problems they entail. These include reliance of new investments and environmental restrictions. Concerning the latter, plans to build large-scale dams in the region have drawn criticism mainly on account of the loss of forest cover in areas flooded by dam reservoirs and the conflicts concerning the relocation of indigenous and riverside communities in the region. This article seeks to contribute to better understanding of the environmental issue in the Amazon by focusing attention on the downstream effects of dams, which have large-scale, hitherto neglected ecological repercussions. The impact of dams extends well beyond the area surrounding the artificial lakes they create, harming rich Amazon wetland ecosystems. The morphology of dammed rivers changes in response to new inputs of energy and matter, which may in turn destroy certain biotopes. This is a remote-sensing-based case study of the Tucuruí hydroelectric scheme in the Amazon state of Pará. Attention is drawn to the need to take into account effects on alluvial rivers downstream from hydroelectric power plants when it comes to making planning decisions, as part of a sustainable energy policy.

Energy in Brazil: Toward sustainable development?

The objective of this study is to analyze the evolution of the Brazilian energy sector with reference to the results of the business-as-usual scenario of the National Energy Outlook 2030 studies. The analysis was made with, as a starting point, energy indicators for sustainable development, which take into account social, economic and environmental aspects. The study demonstrates that the country has great availability of energy resources and that renewable sources can contribute to maintain a big participation in the production and use of energy, giving the country considerable advantages in economic and environmental terms. As regards the social aspect, on the other hand, the unequal distribution of income continues to be the country's principal weak point in achieving sustainable development.

Efficiency and selectivity of a trap and truck fish passage system in Brazil

The construction of fish passages has been one of the strategies adopted by the Brazilian energy sector in order to diminish the effects of barriers on fish communities. However, studies of the efficiency of these mechanisms are scarce. The present study evaluated the efficiency and selectivity of the first trap and truck fish passage system in Brazil, installed in Santa Clara Dam, Mucuri River. The species composition in the Santa Clara Dam fish lift was compared to the original composition of Mucuri River fish fauna and with the populations that gather downstream of the dam during the reproductive season. The proportion of previously tagged individuals translocated by the lift was used to estimate its efficiency. During the 2003/2004 reproductive period, 67,841 individuals of 32 species passed through the lift, which corresponds to 66% of the lower Mucuri river fish richness. Less than 0.5% died or were injured during the passage. When compared to the river's population, less representative captures of smaller individuals and marine species were observed. However, the composition and structure of the community in the fish lift was quite similar to those downstream of the dam during the reproductive season. The estimated efficiency of the fish lift ranged from 0.2% for Pogonopoma wertheimeri to 16.1% for Leporinus conirostris reaching an average of 7% for all migratory species.

The energy sector in Brazil: Lessons in ingenuity and compromise

The one common thread that brings Brazil, Russia, India and China together in the energy field is their usage of a national oil company (NOCs) or comparable structure as a tool in the search for energy security. It was in that spirit that Brazil, a country with few easily accessible hydrocarbon resources, created Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras). Today, Petrobras is an example of Brazilian perseverance, ingenuity, and creativity. The company is the world leader in deep offshore hydrocarbon exploration and produces enough oil to satisfy the domestic market. The Brazilian energy sector is among the most diversified and green on the globe. This paper examines the evolution of the Brazilian energy sector through the lens of the development of Petrobras. It is an exercise in pragmatism and compromise that sees the country emerge well prepared to meet the challenges of the new century.

BRAZIL Energy End-user Activity

It is amazing how the Brazilian energy sector has changed these last few years! End-users have a new perception about energy-related opportunities. Higher expectations, more demanding attitude and a mindset-oriented solution are transforming the way of doing business. This article will present a few actual cases in which I had the privilege to participate as a consultant. Pour palier a la penurie d'electricite au Bresil, certains industriels ont mis en place des programmes de maitrise de l'energie, developpes des installations de cogeneration et utilise les informations d'un portail informatique, dedie a l'energie.

BRAZIL: Energy End–user Activity

It is amazing how the Brazilian energy sector has changed these last few years! End-users have a new perception about energy-related opportunities. Higher expectations, more demanding attitude and a mindset-oriented solution are transforming the way of doing business. This article will present a few actual cases in which I had the privilege to participate as a consultant. Pour palier a la penurie d'electricite au Bresil, certains industriels ont mis en place des programmes de maitrise de l'energie, developpes des installations de cogeneration et utilise les informations d'un portail informatique, dedie a l'energie.

The Twilight Zone in the Brazilian Energy Sector

As with the California crisis, reports of power shortages in Brazil have been front-page news. This article addresses the causes of the Brazilian energy crisis and possible solutions. It sets forth 1) emergency measures taken by the Brazilian government to address the short-term crisis, 2) proposed changes in sources of power in Brazil for the longer term, and 3) a critique of the existing legal framework for investment and operations in the power sector. Ultimately, the authors conclude that the Brazilian government must provide a more competitive and attractive environment for international project finance in this industry through more transparent and permanent regulations and continued liberalization of restrictions on foreign investment in the sector.