The CNPE (National Council for Energy Policy) approved a resolution that incorporates hydroelectric storage systems (reversible power plants) as a strategic instrument of Brazilian energy planning.
The decision establishes guidelines for the development and contracting of these projects within the scope of the SIN (National Interconnected System), focusing on increasing the security and flexibility of electrical operations.
The measure recognizes the role of these power plants in storing energy during periods of lower demand, with subsequent dispatch during periods of higher consumption. Therefore, the model is now considered a solution for system reliability.
Guidelines
The resolution stipulates that project contracting must occur through auctions and other competitive mechanisms, with contracts structured to reflect the long-term profile of the investments.
Compensation will be linked to power availability and operational performance, creating revenue predictability to make projects economically viable.
Another key point is the integration of these power plants into energy planning instruments across different time horizons (short, medium, and long term), reinforcing their role as a structuring asset of the system.
The definition of the technical requirements will be the responsibility of the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy), with support from bodies such as ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency) and the ONS (National Electric System Operator).
In practice, the CNPE's decision signals a shift in how the country intends to approach energy storage, incorporating hydroelectric solutions alongside other emerging technologies.
Debate resumed
The resolution's approval comes about a year after discussions on reversible power plants in Brazil resumed, intensified at a seminar promoted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) in March 2025.
The meeting brought together government representatives, regulators, and industry stakeholders to assess the feasibility of these projects and their integration into energy planning.
At the event, the need to advance in defining rules to enable the technology in the country was highlighted, given its importance in guaranteeing power supply during critical moments in the system.
The possibility of including these plants in was also discussed. capacity reserve auctions, expanding the range of available solutions beyond conventional thermal and hydroelectric power plants.
The expectation now is that defining technical rules and structuring contracting mechanisms will allow these projects to be included in future auctions, consolidating hydroelectric storage as a relevant component of the Brazilian electricity matrix.
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