Brazil Seeks Technology for Alternative Sources of Power

06/12/2015 - 16h06

Having few possibilities to expand its hydroelectric capacity, Brazil has invested in research projects on alternative sources for power generation.
 
Since 2008, more than $ 380 million (R$ 1.2 billion) were invested in the development of thermal or renewable energy, in projects supervised by the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel).
 
Brazil still depends on the import of technology to improve other sources of power that can complement hydroelectric power plants. Therefore, projects in this area are Aneel's priority.
 
Alternative sources are the country's main focus to ensure the future demand for energy. Brazil's last water reserve, the Amazon basin, is already committed to big hydroelectric projects.
 
Since 2008, 258 projects have been started for the generation of thermal or renewable sources.
 
However, the innovation did not escape the crisis without losses that struck the electrical sector in recent years. Since 2013, the number of projects and the amounts available for them have been reduced.
 
According to Máximo Pompermayer, from Aneel, three factors influence the cut. First, the mandatory percentage that is charged from companies is already committed to ongoing projects.
 
He also mentions the water crisis the country has been facing in the past two years with consequences for the main companies in the sector.
 
Finally, the temporary measure 579, created in 2012, determined the reduction of energy costs, and consequently reduced the revenue of companies that generate and transmit electricity.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

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	Vanderlei Tacchio/Eletrosul/Divulgação
	Geribatu Wind Park in Santa Vitória do Palmar, Rio Grande do Sul