Aneel already inventoried 9 GW in power for the projects, but only 3 GW are enrolled in hiring auction
Just over 3 GW (gigawatts) in small hydroelectric plant projects – until 50 MW (megawatts) of power – are enrolled in the auction aimed at hiring produced by this type of venture that will take place on August 22 this year. This volume represents less than 1/3 of the potential already mapped in (National Electric Energy Agency) to install these small plants throughout Brazil.
The regulatory agency database shows that about 573 PCH -type plants (small hydroelectric plant) already have DRS (Executive Summary Suitability Registration Orders). This document is Aneel’s seal that it is possible to implement a hydroelectric plant in a given location.
DRS is obtained after an interested in installing a small plant fits with an Aneel order to assess the possibility of implementing the venture and what is the maximum power allowed for the project. From DRS, the interested party must go after environmental licensing and other obligations to build the venture.
According to (Brazilian Association of Clean Energy Generation), the deadline for the installation of a SHP is 10 to 15 years from the obtaining of DRS. Environmental licensing is the longest step. It takes 5 to 8 years to have the license of the state environmental agency.
When the venture receives DRS, it enters the Aneel system. Some projects have been on waiting since 2015.
The state with the highest inventory potential for the installation of small hydroelectric dams is Goiás, with 1.5 GW. Then are Paraná (1.3 GW) and Santa Catarina (1.3 GW). The territory of Santa Catarina has the highest power inscribed in the A-5 auction, which will hire energy produced by these enterprises in the next 5 years.
The highest concentration of up to 50 MW plants is in the southern and southeastern region. There are currently 427 SHPs in operation in the country.
Little space for hydroelectric
Brazil has built the most renewable electric matrix in the world by investing in the construction of large hydroelectric dams in recent decades. The country has not been studying new projects of large plants for 12 years, and small centrals have become a more viable alternative to grow the hydroelectric sector in Brazil.
According to Abragel President Charles Lenzi, Brazil already dominates technology for the installation of this type of enterprise, which also employs more people than its competitors: solar and wind sources.
The Minister of Mines and Energy has already given support to support these projects. The greatest example is the exclusive auction for the small hydroelectric dams that will be held this year. However, the sector still thinks it has been eclipsed by the interests of other renewable sources.
