Leaders from the electricity sector, investors and parliamentarians from the electricity sector met last week in Brasília (DF) to discuss the future of the energy storage market in Brazil.
The meeting, promoted by Absae (Brazilian Association of Energy Storage Solutions), had as its central agenda the inclusion of batteries in the Capacity Reservation Auction, the creation of a more consistent regulatory framework and the forecast of investments in the order of R$40 billion in the sector.
According to the leaders present at the meeting, Brazil is currently facing an energy paradox: despite the accelerated growth of wind and solar generation, the lack of infrastructure for storage results in wasted electricity.
This scenario, according to Absae, forces the government to keep thermal plants in operation, which are more expensive and polluting.
“Today, Brazil has plenty of renewable energy, but without an efficient storage strategy, this electricity is lost and the consumer pays the bill,” said Markus Vlasits, president of the association.
Estimates based on the 2021 auction indicate a reduction of 900 million reais per GW per year compared to solutions based on thermal plants.
“Without batteries, we will continue to burn fossil fuels unnecessarily, generating high costs for the consumer and harming the energy transition,” highlighted Adalberto Moreira, vice president of Absae.
Parliamentary for regulation
Federal deputies participated in the event and reinforced the need for regulatory progress in the sector. Deputy Diego Andrade (PSD-MG), who will assume the presidency of the Chamber's Mines and Energy Committee, said that “investing in storage means generating jobs, reducing tariffs and ensuring energy security.”
Vitor Lippi (PSDB-SP) stated that energy storage is essential to reduce carbon emissions and make the sector more efficient.
“Technologies such as batteries can replace diesel-powered thermal plants, reducing costs and making the system more sustainable. But we need a regulatory environment that encourages these investments,” he highlighted.
Government signals dialogue, but without concrete definition
Despite pressure from the sector, the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy) has not yet confirmed the inclusion of storage in this year's Capacity Reserve Auction.
Minister Alexandre Silveira, who was expected at the event, did not attend due to a commitment at the Planalto Palace, but scheduled a new meeting with executives and investors for next Wednesday (26).
“The government’s signaling is positive, but we need a firm commitment. Each day without a definition means more waste of renewable energy and higher costs on the consumer’s electricity bill,” warned Elbia Gannoum, president of ABEEólica (Brazilian Wind Energy Association).
With increasing pressure from investors and congressmen, the sector awaits a concrete decision from the federal government on the inclusion of batteries in the capacity auction.
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An answer
One question: if electricity from solar or wind power is fed into the grid, can't hydroelectric plants generate less energy by saving water in their reservoirs, thus acting as energy accumulators? But instead of accumulating electricity like batteries, they would accumulate water!