Solar energy already represents 22,5% of the Brazilian electricity matrix, consolidating itself as the second main source in the country, behind only hydroelectric power, which leads with 44,3%, according to data from ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency) and the ABSOLAR (Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association).
In the field, agribusiness has been adopting photovoltaic systems not only to reduce carbon emissions by decreasing dependence on diesel in the use of power generators, but also in the search for greater energy efficiency with hybrid solutions.
Rural areas already for 14,5% of the installed capacity in distributed generation in the country, behind the residential (49,5%) and commercial (28,5%) sectors.
As technology advances, Brazil needs to mature its regulatory framework. For the energy transition to be solid and sustainable, the country needs robust planning capable of integrating generation, demand and energy logistics. The challenge goes beyond installing solar s: it is necessary to connect the dots.
In 2024, Brazil reached 4th place among the largest global energy markets and 5th place in solar energy production, according to a report by SolarPower Europe.
To maintain this leading role, the country needs to face regulatory obstacles, especially with regard to “curtailment” – the limitation of generation due to lack of flow capacity.
This situation requires significant improvements in the transmission infrastructure, which currently prevents the clean energy generated, especially in the Northeast, from reaching the large consumer centers in the Southeast efficiently.
Building a more stable energy system requires planning that encomes both generation and demand. Strategic issues, such as the growth of data centers and the production of green hydrogen in the Northeast, need to be on the radar with a structured approach to resolve the lack of specific demand.
Without this, Brazil could lose ground to other countries in the competition for international investments in renewable energy.
In addition to the need to balance supply and demand, energy transmission is also one of the main bottlenecks. The concentration of production in the Northeast contrasts with the high demand in the Southeast, highlighting the urgency of new investments in interconnected networks.
This need for investments in interconnected networks does not only affect the SEB (Brazilian Electric System). In view of climate goals, IEA (International Energy Agency) estimates that US$600 billion in annual investments will be needed globally in transmission infrastructure networks in the coming years, which includes substations and control systems that ensure load balancing.
Despite having a regulated and relatively solid sector, Brazil needs to advance in autonomy and long-term vision on the part of the responsible bodies. A new look at the role of distribution agents is needed and, possibly, a reform of the electrical system that brings more competition to the sector.
Although renewable sources are competitive, intermittency remains a challenge. Energy storage systems are part of the answer, but they alone cannot solve the lack of demand at certain times. This reinforces the importance of more precise production planning and policies that encourage the domestic use of this clean energy.
It is in this context that the concept of power shoring gains strength: using renewable energy as a strategic asset to attract production chains in line with Brazil's Reindustrialization Policy.
Brazil, with its clean electricity matrix, could become an industrial production hub with a more efficient way of manufacturing than other countries that have energy matrices dominated by more polluting sources, such as China, United States.
Attracting industries here not only strengthens energy demand but also contributes to economic development. Renewable energy is a competitive advantage that Brazil cannot afford to waste.
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.
An answer
The way forward is to invest in transmission and distribution networks in of power and intelligence. And also focus on green hydrogen. Invest in the development and review of sector standards and expand knowledge in the relevant sectors.