ANEEL defines regulatory basis for energy storage systems

Waiting only for validation by the collegiate board of directors ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency), the battery segment already has a preliminary regulatory framework to begin preparing its investment studies in Brazil, especially with a focus on the capacity reserve auction that the government plans to hold in 2026.

The agency concluded Joint Technical Note No. 13/2025, which addresses the regulation of SAEs (Energy Storage Systems), also including UHRs (reversible hydroelectric plants) in the premises.

The document, according to the ANEEL, represents the first stage of "a complex and cross-cutting process," structured as a three-cycle roadmap. It also marks the conclusion of the second phase of Public Consultation No. 2/39, which included contributions from 2023 participants, including associations and various stakeholders in the electricity sector.

The initiative is seen by the regulatory body as a primary milestone to address the challenges related to the insertion of SAEs in the sector, “promoting the adequate integration of these systems” as well as their respective alignment “with the guidelines for decarbonization, digitalization and decentralization of the national electricity matrix”.

A ANEEL reiterates that, although Joint Technical Note No. 13/2025 consolidates the first stage of the process, it does not conclude the development agenda for the topic, with the second cycle already providing for technical and regulatory in-depth analysis.

Positive news

For Roberto Valer, CTO of Huawei in Brazil, a company that looks with great interest at the energy storage segment in Brazil, the publication of the ANEEL is a source of “great satisfaction” and represents a breakthrough that the market has been waiting for for a long time.

"The prevailing perception is that, although it is only the first stage of a regulatory process that foresees new phases, the document already provides the necessary basis and subsidies for entrepreneurs and financiers to finally get their energy storage projects off the ground," said the executive.

Valer reminds that the Joint Technical Note awaits the approval procedure and vote of the board of directors. ANEEL to become effective. It highlights, however, that the content provides the regulatory clarity that was missing.

"Previously, there was uncertainty about how to apply for and initiate storage projects with the agency. Now, with the first foundations or first bricks in place, companies have a clear direction to begin work," he reinforces.

Valer emphasizes that the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy) ordinance with the rules for the battery capacity reserve auction is expected to be released later this year. The auction itself is expected to take place in 2026.

Conclusions

Regarding the main results and advances achieved in this initial phase of the regulatory proposal for SAEs, Joint Technical Note No. 13/2025 highlights the following points:

• A clear conceptual definition for SAEs and their possible operating modes has been established. The goal is to standardize technical and regulatory understanding and facilitate the application of the proposed standards;
• SAE is now treated as a user of the electricity grid, with the definition of clear criteria for its access and the rules necessary for the execution of Transmission and Distribution System Use Contracts (CUST/CUSD);
• The flexibility of contracting the System Use Amount (MUST/MUSD) was provided for generating plants that opt for the installation of co-located SAEs, encouraging better use of existing infrastructure and increasing efficiency;
• The usage tariff applicable to the SAE was defined, in line with the current regulatory framework, which guarantees the signaling and allocation of network costs for the bidirectional flow of power;
• The Autonomous SAE was legally classified as an Independent Electric Energy Producer (PIE), ensuring its adequate insertion in the current legal and regulatory framework;
• The co-location of SAEs with generating plants and consumer units, both in transmission and distribution networks, was provided for, providing clarity and legal certainty. Installation can occur with a single authorization (covering the Generating Plant and the SAE) or through an association, with independent authorizations that preserve legal and operational autonomy;
• The Demand Response Program was expanded, providing for the participation of SAEs in load displacement mechanisms, with possible future adjustments to the Network and Commercialization Procedures;
• There have been significant advances in the treatment of Reversible Hydroelectric Power Plants (UHR), with the proposal of a specific procedure for granting closed-cycle units and the permission for their insertion into existing projects through changes to technical characteristics;
• A regulatory signal was included for the provision of ancillary services by SAEs, with normative provision for the stacking of revenues, which expands the possibilities for monetizing the services provided to the system;
• The rules for treating sectoral charges applicable to SAEs were defined, promoting legal certainty and regulatory consistency. Additionally, the calculation basis for the Electricity Services Inspection Fee (TFSEE) and any penalties was established, providing greater transparency and predictability.
• Guidelines were established on the need for agents holding SAE to contract collateral, considering their different forms of operation and services provided to the system.

all the content of Canal Solar is protected by copyright law, and partial or total reproduction of this site in any medium is expressly prohibited. If you are interested in collaborating or reusing part of our material, please contact us by email: redacao@canalsolar.com.br.