Rules approved by Brazil’s watchdog are 'significant step' to promote distributed generation

The new rules established by Brazil’s electric power watchdog Aneel for the implementation of electricity infrastructure in the Minha Casa, Minha Vida federal housing program are a significant step towards promoting distributed generation (DG), the president of local association ABGD, Carlos Evangelista, told BNamericas. 

The resolution approved by the regulatory agency requires energy distributors to carry out infrastructure work for the grid and internal electrical installations in housing program developments. 

According to Evangelista, this measure is crucial to ensure that new homes have access to the necessary infrastructure to support distributed micro and mini-generation systems (MMGD).

Distributed microgeneration facilities have an installed capacity of up to 75kW, while mini-generation plants cover power above 75kW and equal to or less than 3MW (up to 5MW in specific situations).

The implementation of a 50% discount on the cost of availability for low-income consumers with MMGD systems significantly reduces the entry barrier for the adoption of solar energy, encouraging the generation of renewable energy in low-income households, said the president of ABGD.

Another relevant point is the possibility of selling the surplus energy generated by MMGD systems to public bodies. 

“This is an innovation that could further stimulate the adoption of DG, as it provides a new source of income for owners of DG systems, as well as promoting energy efficiency in public buildings,” said Evangelista. 

He also pointed out that the inclusion of DG in Minha Casa Minha Vida contributes to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, in line with the goals of sustainable development and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

“ABGD supports these initiatives and will continue to work together with the authorities and sectors involved to ensure the effective implementation of these measures, promoting a more sustainable and inclusive energy future for the country,” added Evangelista. 

Today, Brazil has close to 31GW of installed DG capacity, more than 95% of which is photovoltaic solar energy. According to information from ABGD, by the end of the year, DG could reach 36GW of installed power.