Brazilian Generation Research Articles

Examining the Impacts of Grid Tariff on the Economic Viability of Photovoltaic Energy: The Case of Residential Power Generation in Brazil

On-grid photovoltaic systems (PVs) hold immense potential as source of renewable energy, particularly in nations with abundant solar irradiation and large territories. Brazil, in particular, has emerged as a noteworthy example, driving an annual PV capacity installation rate above 150% since 2013. However, the recent Normative Resolution 1.059/2023, stablished by the National Electricity Energy Agency, has introduced grid tariff for utilizing grid infrastructure in Brazil. In light of this, our study aims to assess the impacts of this policy on the economic feasibility of medium-sized residential PVs (rooftops). Our finds demonstrated that the financial indicators for investing in on-grid PVs within medium-sized family homes in Brazil were very attractive prior to 2023, with an average Internal Return Rate (IRR) of 22.7% and a payback of 5.0 years. However, as consequence of the new policy these indicators will deteriorate and reach an average IRR of 15.7% and an average payback of 7.2 years, progressively until 2030. Additionally, it will increase almost 50% the PV electricity levelized cost. We recommend further research directions for policymakers and researchers encompassing several strategies for encouraging again the PV energy in the country, such as promoting joint procurement initiatives, and implementing subsidies for reducing photovoltaic system prices.

Holistic regulatory framework for distributed generation based on multi-objective optimization

Regulatory changes associated with distributed generation have occurred in several countries (e.g., the USA, Germany, the UK, and Australia). However, there is a lack of robust and holistic analytical models that can be used to implement the best regulatory framework among possible options. In this context, the present paper proposes a cutting-edge regulatory framework for distributed generation based on multi-objective optimization, taking into account socioeconomic (socioeconomic welfare created by the regulated electricity market and electricity tariff affordability) and environmental (global warming potential) indicators. Such indicators are modeled primarily based on the optimized tariff model (socioeconomic regulated electricity market model), Bass diffusion model (forecasting model of distributed generation deployment), and life cycle assessment (environmental impact assessment method). The design variables are assumed to be the regulated electricity tariff and remuneration of the electricity injected into the grid over the years. First, the proposed methodology is applied to fifteen large-scale Brazilian concession areas with a significant deployment of distributed generation assuming two approaches, a multi-compensation scenario, where the compensation is set individually for each concession area, and a single-compensation scenario, where the compensation is set equally for all concession areas. Then, the optimal solutions are compared to Ordinary Law 14300, which is a recently implemented regulatory framework for distributed generation in Brazil. Results demonstrate that Ordinary Law 14300 is a dominated or non-optimal solution since it is not located on the optimal Pareto frontiers for any of the assessed concession areas. Assuming the Euclidian knee points, benefits averaging 33% and 15% were achieved in terms of electricity tariff affordability for the multi and single-compensation scenarios, respectively, with small losses of 8% and 3% in terms of socioeconomic welfare and global warming potential. Though the proposed methodology is applied in the Brazilian context, it can also be applied to other countries with regulated electricity markets; thus, it is expected to be valuable for researchers, government institutions, and regulatory agencies worldwide.

Analysis of Chinese investment in renewable energy generation in Brazil

Analysis of Chinese investment in renewable energy generation in Brazil

Navigating the transition: The impacts of electricity tariff regulation on distributed generation in Brazil

Energy transition presents new challenges in electricity regulation, notably Distributed Generation (DG) tariffs. In Brazil, DG capacity surged 18 times between 2021 and 2023. The impact of recent Brazilian DG legislation (Law 14300/2022; Normative Resolution 1059/2023) on the market remains uncertain. Our analysis, from technical, social, and financial perspectives, focusing on units with up to 5 MW of installed capacity, reveals persisting and increasingly unsustainable cross-subsidy schemes. While new rules mitigate the risk of a “utility death spiral,” misguided regulations may spur DG adoption and hike electricity tariffs. Revising subsidy regulations can mitigate adverse social and financial repercussions.

Evolution of wind speed observed in Brazil between 1961 and 2020

AbstractThe study's main objective was to analyse daily wind speed data in Brazil collected on‐site from 1961 to 2020 and assess changes in two 30‐year climatological normals, denoted as P1 and P2. Data were sourced from 54 INMET‐managed meteorological stations, with missing data filled using the bootstrap expectation maximization algorithm. Imputation performance was evaluated, and results suggested that the 10% imputed level was most reliable, showing low RMSE values (below 0.5), SD values near 1, and r values exceeding 0.93. This method proved suitable for reconstructing historical wind speed data in Brazil. The analysis included the application of the Mann–Kendall test to detect linear trends and Sen's slope test to quantify trend intensity, both at a 5% significance level. Positive trends during P2 were observed in the Amazon basin and Brazil's semiarid region, while negative trends increased along the coast and in the Southeast region. Average wind speeds during P1 were higher than in P2. Comparing the two climatological normals revealed significant positive trends in some regions during P2, with an increase in average monthly variation of up to 0.85 m·s−1. The average slopes of significant trends were −1 and 1 m·s−1·decade−1 for all periods. The results indicated high wind magnitudes, with maximum power density of 778.08 W·m−2 for the NEB region, 170.90 W·m−2 for the SEB region and 401.67 W·m−2 for the SUB, making these regions promising for future wind power projects. These findings have the potential to enhance the optimization of renewable wind energy generation in Brazil.

The Role of The State in Diversifying and Expanding the Brazilian Energy Matrix: an Analysis of Legislation

Despite having an essentially renewable electricity matrix, the dependence on hydropower, in the current climate risk scenario and the associated environmental and social impacts, point to the need to diversify energy generation in Brazil. To this end, state action is fundamental for designing and implementing public policies for the country's energy matrix. However, this diversification does not occur at the desired speed and scale. Thus, this article analyses the Brazilian regulatory environmental policies to assess the participation of the Federal constituencies, States, and municipalities in scaling renewable sources in the national electricity matrix. The research revealed that specific legislation on energy is scarce, and much of what is applied is taken from the general environmental legislation. We noticed that, by constitutional imposition, the Federal constituencies have the legislative competence on the theme and, therefore, establish norms and general rules, while States and municipalities act marginally, especially in fiscal matters and environmental licensing. The need for more objectivity, standardization, and the non-existence of specific technical criteria in the norms about energy use. We also verified that most of what was legally established constitutes government programs, not state policies. It is necessary to extend the participation of states and Municipalities in elaborating national energy use plans and in the revision and technical standardization of the licensing norms. These gaps must be filled so sustainable development, a principle established in the Constitution, is strengthened and made possible, with the participation of States and Municipalities.

Paradigms of environmental sustainability in photovoltaic energy generation

Paradigms of environmental sustainability in photovoltaic energy generation

Economic Viability of Business models for Photovoltaic solar generation in Brazil: Studies of cases

In the last years, worldwide, more capacity of solar energy has been added than any other type of electric power generation technology. The current expansion market is largely due to the increase in market competitiveness of photovoltaic solar energy and demand for electricity. However, the markets continue to be driven largely by government or regulatory incentives and not by innovative business. Therefore, this paper presents: (i) overview of photovoltaic systems regarding the most adopted business models in Brazil; ii) business model economic viability case study. The results presented shows that the acquisition model has the best investment indicators. For the Acquisition and Rental models, all case studies were economically viable, but in the Shared Solar Generation model the Consumer Units C1 and C2 were considered unfeasible by Levelized Cost of Energy - LCOE criterion.

Poultry litter: great potential for electrical energy generation in Brazil

Due to the rapid industrialization and population growth there is a higher energy demand. As a result of this factor the greenhouse effect has been aggravating the weather around the globe. Many countries are seeking for sources of renewable and clean energy in order to reduce the air pollution. The biomass energy is an alternative that may interest everyone, since it is a renewable source and there are several technologies for its processing. This study aims to quantify the generation of poultry litter in the production of broiler chickens in the country, to identify the technologies for the available energy conversion, to quantify the potential for electrical energy generation and indicate through technical analysis the most feasible technology to explore the energy potential. In Brazil the biomass derived from the poultry litter represents 1% of all the available biomass, compared to the straw and sugar cane bagasse, regarding the biomass used in the electrical energy generation this percentage increases to 7%. Using the process which is more efficient (gasification) with the poultry litter produced in the country in 2010 (8.23 X 109 kg), it is estimated a production of 503.77MW. This energy may be injected into the network to meet the demand at times of increased consumption.

30 Years of Kinase Inhibitors: A Historical Overview and some Brazilian Contributions

The past 30 years have been transformative in the landscape of drug discovery, and certainly one of the most ground-breaking areas was kinase research. Since its start in the mid-1990s, kinase studies have reached notable hallmarks, ranging from the development of the first inhibitor, to innovative treatment options for a range of diseases. Today, kinases remain a pivotal protein class in drug discovery. Contemporarily, the Brazilian medicinal chemistry scene has also evolved, and followed up to such trends in the global landscape of research. Notably, the creation of the Summer School of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry (EVQFM, in portuguese) in 1995, and its subsequent 30 consecutive editions, has raised the interest and knowledge of multiple generations in Brazil. This review aims to briefly outline the history of kinase inhibitor research, some of its landmarks, and highlight some of the contributions of Brazilian researchers to this important field of medicinal chemistry.

SWOT analysis of a Floating Nuclear Power Plant for electricity generation in Brazil

The growing demand for electricity, increasing rising fossil fuel prices and global warming in Brazil, together with the lack of access to electricity on the part of the population in certain locations in the Northern Region, such as, for example, Rondônia, Pará and Amazonas, is currently seeking for solutions. The objective of the present study is to carry out a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of the inclusion of a project of a floating nuclear power plants (FNPP) in Brazil with a view to solving the lack of electricity in homes and in industries located in remote regions of Brazil. Study results identified several socioeconomic and environmental impacts on this regions. The study concludes that in addition to contributing to the solution of the lack of energy in remote regions, the implementation of this proposal could represent in the future a source of inflow of financial resources in the country and of international collaboration. This SWOT study will encourage investors, researchers, engineers and decision makers to open the debate about the benefit of using a FNPP in Brazil, which in addition to providing economic energy rates for the population, would be a profitable business and an international collaboration.

Solar channels as an innovative energy approach for large water transposition projects

Open water transposition channels in hot and arid regions lose significant amounts of water through evaporation. This is the case with the São Francisco River Integration Project (PISF) in Brazil. This paper proposes using photovoltaic (PV) panels to cover the channels of the PISF to reduce evaporation and save water. The study aims to evaluate the potential amount of water saved by this technology across all channel lengths, as well as the energy that can be generated by the covered watercourses. The study also examines whether the energy produced can be used to power the transposition pumps during peak radiation hours, improving the energy efficiency of the project. To achieve the study’s goals, the authors conducted a thorough review of academic and industrial literature on the state-of-the-art of PV generation in Brazil and worldwide. They also examined the regional geography, meteorology, irradiation, and social characteristics of the area. The authors identified the characteristics of the channels and watercourses of PISF and calculated their solar potential. The study found that covering all current channel extensions with PV panels could save up to 25,000 m3Water per day to supply the deprived population, improving their quality of life and generating 1,250 GWh annually.

Nuclear energy in Brazil: regulation, corruption, and prospects for energy generation

Abstract This article provides an overview of the historical development of the Brazilian nuclear regulatory environment and its implications for corruption in the nuclear energy sector. It explores Brazil's transition of nuclear energy policies from a military-centric approach to civilian perspectives following the country’s re-democratization in the 1980s. The article highlights the importance of nuclear energy diversification for stabilization and low-carbon energy generation in Brazil. It discusses the challenges and vulnerabilities of the Brazilian nuclear industry, focusing on the corruption scandal of 2015, revealing improper payments, mismanagement, bribery, and money laundering in constructing the Angra 3 nuclear power plant. The study proposes improvements in the corporate governance of the Brazilian sector to minimize potential corruption cases in future contracts. It analyses the conflict of interest among regulatory institutions, industry agents, and the corporate environment. This article also compares the Brazilian nuclear regulatory framework with international regulations and discusses strategies for combating corruption in nuclear power generation. The concluding remarks emphasize the need for institutional reforms to safeguard and develop the Brazilian nuclear industry.

Spatio‐temporal availability of renewable energy sources for Western Paraná

AbstractThe hydroelectric crisis is fomenting studies that seek the decentralization of electric energy generation in Brazil. Due to the climatic dependence on alternative sources, knowing their intermittent behavior is the best way to ensure supply. This article presents an analysis of energy complementarity based on the occurrences of climate variables with precipitation for hydroelectric power, irradiation for photovoltaic, and wind speed for wind power. We aimed to analyze and spatialize the availability of renewable energy sources in western Paraná through historical series (2011 to 2020), statistical analysis (monthly and seasonal), and the use of Geographic Information System (GIS). Daily data records were made available by the Paraná Meteorological Institute (SIMEPAR), referring to eight weather stations throughout the mesoregion. The results identified spatial complementarity for the mesoregion West Paraná. Cascavel city stood out for temporal complementarity, recording the highest values for precipitation in spring and wind speed in winter. In addition, irradiation data excelled in summer for the city of Santa Helena when compared to the other municipalities considered.

Early adopters of residential solar PV distributed generation: Evidence from Brazil, Chile and Mexico

Substantial adoption of solar rooftop systems in the residential sector resulting from the implementation of net metering policies can lead to worsening socioeconomic inequalities. This is because of the lack of information on the socioeconomic profiles of distributed solar generators. To fill this information gap and shed light on the determinants of solar photovoltaic distributed generation uptake, this paper aims to identify the profile of the first adopters of solar PV distributed generation by merging different databases. Using multilevel regression analysis, this study investigates how socioeconomic factors, project viability, and neighborhood variables, matter for adopting solar PV distributed generation in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. Results differ across countries, as institutional frameworks matter. In Brazil, adopters live in urban areas and are highly responsive to solar energy potential. In Chile, the size of the project matters. Finally, in Mexico, results show that demonstration effects play a crucial role in adoption. Income as a determining factor is inconclusive. Average spending on electricity matters in all countries. This study highlights the existence of heterogeneity in the distribution of solar distributed generators. To mitigate these distortions, this work suggests some recommendations to improve solar distribution net metering policies in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.

Decarbonizing coal-fired power plants: Carbon capture and storage applied to a thermoelectric complex in Brazil

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies can play an essential role in the decarbonization of the energy sector, especially coal-fired power plants, considering their high-emissions character. This study assesses the theoretical potential of using CCS coupled to the Jorge Lacerda Thermoelectric Complex, which has the largest installed capacity for coal-fired power generation in Brazil. The primary focus is the geological investigation of carbon storage in units of the Paraná Sedimentary Basin. Regulatory, environmental, financial and social aspects are also considered. We conclude that implementing CCS could be a sustainable and feasible alternative for the power complex studied. We alert for the need to develop regulatory, financial, public acceptance and infrastructure aspects to support and scale CCS growth in Brazil. From the potential geological reservoirs analyzed for carbon storage, coal layers of the Rio Bonito Formation are the most interesting option, with a theoretical storage capacity of up to 38 GtCO2. Other geological formations assessed were disregarded considering the required criteria at the regional scale. Their potential at the local scale is not assessed. This case study could be replicated in other power plants aiming to achieve low-carbon standards.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of social media on awareness' socio-environmental and sustainable consumption: Consolidating lessons from the pandemic

Many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were caused on people's health and the economy of countries in its first year, especially in emerging economies such as Brazil, were dire. Social distancing and the reduction of jobs caused impacts in many organizations, which led to the adoption of strategies allowing employees to work from home, adjusting family residences into home offices while facing reduction in industrial production and a decrease in economic activities. The pandemic also changed consumption behaviors, the use of social media (social networks), and people's socioenvironmental awareness. This research aims to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of social media, on environmental awareness, on sustainable consumption awareness and on the social responsibility awareness of different generations in Brazil one year after the beginning of the pandemic. For data analysis, the structural equation modeling method was used from a final sample of 1120 respondents. The results indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic positively influences the growing in social media usage (environmental issues and social responsibility issues) and sustainable consumption awareness. The study highlights that social media usage has the ability to positively influence environmental awareness, sustainable consumption awareness, and social responsibility awareness. The results provide a framework to analyze the consequential factors of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainability awareness and the use of social media.

Wave Energy Generation in Brazil: A Georeferenced Oscillating Water Column Inventory

Seas and oceans offer great potential as a widely available source of clean and renewable energy near high energy consumption centers. This source of energy is a valuable option in the energy transition and in energy matrix decarbonization. Wave energy and an oscillating water column (OWC) device stand out as the types of ocean energy with the most potential. An onshore OWC requires locations with rocky outcrops and steeper slopes as the device needs to be physically installed and has lower energy dissipation due to friction with the seabed. However, Brazil has approximately 7490 km of coastlines, with various shoreline geometries and geomorphologies, some of which are very suitable for OWC implementation. Some authors have estimated that the Brazilian coast has a total potential of 114 GW, distributed between wave and tidal energy, with a great possibility of contributing to global decarbonization efforts. This study aimed to identify and quantify the potential of locations suitable for implementing wave energy farms equipped with onshore OWC. For this, a prospect was carried out using the georeferencing software QGIS, resulting in a georeferenced map with a dataset of 319 locations, and determining a power capacity of exploitation of 9.84 GW and an estimated energy of 83,689 GWh/year in ten of the seventeen coastal states. This energy corresponds to twice the energy consumption of the state of Rio de Janeiro, which has a population of approximately 17.5 million people. If the same amount of wave energy as gas-fired thermal generation energy were to be consumed, the use of wave energy would reduce emissions by approximately 44.52 million tons of CO2 annually. This result suggests that wave energy generation should be included in future studies on the expansion of Brazilian electric systems as an accelerating factor in the energy transition.

Polarization in the forest bioelectricity generation in Brazil

The expansion of forest bioelectricity is associated with the insertion of the bioeconomy, providing efficiency gains and improving the use of resources. This paper analyzed the polarization of forest bioelectricity generation in Brazil, between 2000 and 2019. The data used were from the granting of forest biomass thermoelectric plants obtained from the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL). To measure the polarization, the Lorenz curve, the polarization measures of Foster and Wolfson (PFW) and Esteban and Ray (PER). were used. The main results showed that the use of Brazilian forest bioelectricity increased from 562.90 MW and 11 thermoelectric plants in 2000 to 3,532.61 MW and 115 thermoelectric plants in 2019. For the regional level, there was a decrease for PFW and PER, being the greater polarization in the period from 2002 to 2008, where it highlighted the Southeast region as the main player. There was an increase in state polarization (PFWavg. = 0.3002 and PER(1.6)avg. = 0.1530), as a result of the granting of large black liquor plants in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Parana, as of 2013. For level 2 sources, the domain of black liquor and forest residues was registered over the national supply, leading to the existence of hubs (PFWavg. = 0.5349 and PER(1.6)avg. = 0.1870). The polarization proved to be relevant to the object of study, being its unprecedented application for energy analysis in Brazil.

Routes for the wind power generation in Brazil

Most of the electricity generated in Brazil still comes from hydroelectric plants. In 2021, the country reached a critical hydrological scenario due to low capacities in the reservoirs. Although the installed wind power capacity in Brazil has expanded considerably in recent years, wind generation in the country is limited to the onshore type. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a new wind farm to be installed in Brazil, comparing several possible conditions and technologies, for installing a wind farm on a predetermined location in the northeast region of the country, the most promising region for wind farms. Based on the literature review, different technology routes that characterize wind farms around the world were identified and, through expert evaluation, the best technology route in terms of cost-effectiveness was defined. The results show that, under current conditions, the onshore route with higher unit power of the wind turbine and tubular tower proved to be the preferred one. However, it was shown that in the medium term, offshore wind energy shall become a reality in the country, as long as favorable regulations and licensing models, political and economic stability, and long-term public policies in terms of incentives and subsidies to attract investments for this type of energy generation are present.