The Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL) enacted the regulatory framework for hybrid and associated power plants, enabling the combination of distinct technologies in energy generation.
The Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL) enacted Normative Resolution n.º 954/2021, enabling the establishment of “hybrid power plants” (“UGH”) – i.e., single power generation units that combine distinct technologies, with or without joint measurements, under the same grant – and “associated power plants” – i.e, two or more power generation units under different grants and without joint measurements, but sharing infrastructure and transmission network (article 14).
The combination of technologies may result from any available source, e.g., photovoltaic (UFV) and wind (EOL), or between those and hydric sources (UHE/PCH), as long as specific regulatory provisions related to each source are followed. According to ANEEL, the main advantage of hybrid and associated power plants stems from the complementarity of different technologies in generation, in which one source can compensate for the temporary unavailability of another, resulting in more predictable conditions for transmission and opportunities to scale-up operations.
The new resolution amended six other landmark normative resolutions to provide a regulatory framework for hybrid and associated power plants, comprising granting rules, rules regarding the use of the transmission network, and price rules. The resolution also established transitionary provisions for specific conditions that require further regulation, including 120 days for the National Energy Trade Chamber (CCEE) and the National System Operator (ONS) to provide specific amendments. Granting requests are already available, according to ANEEL.
As of December 2021, the Brazilian operational capacity surpassed 20 GW for wind power (EOL), 4.6 GW for photovoltaic (UFV), and 109 GW for hydric sources (UHE, PCH and CGH), according to ANEEL’s Generation Information System (dashboard available here). Those three sources currently represent more than 70% of the Brazilian electricity matrix.
The new framework is the result of Public Consultation n.º 61/2020 (reported in the 17th and 27th editions to the Regulatory Report). The results of the public consultation process are available on ANEEL’s website.
