Approximately 1,965 million people are currently served by 160 isolated electrical power systems in Brazil, a number that represents 52 fewer systems compared to 2022.
The data is part of a joint plan released this Tuesday (30) by the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy) and EPE (Energy Research Company), with guidelines and projections to guarantee the energy supply in these locations in the coming years.
The document mentions the gradual expansion of the use of renewable sources, such as solar photovoltaic, associated or not with storage systems, as a way to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and improve the efficiency of service.
However, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the Energy Research Company (EPE) point out that these solutions require careful planning to ensure stability and reliability, given the operational particularities of isolated systems.
Priority
Isolated systems are areas that are not connected to the SIN (National Interconnected System) and depend on local generation arrangements to meet demand.
In general, they are concentrated mainly in the Northern Region, in remote and hard-to-reach locations, where extending power grids is technically complex or economically unfeasible.
Despite the reduction in the number of systems, the population served remains significant, the document points out, which keeps the topic a priority in national energy planning.
According to information from MME and EPE, the decrease in systems over the last few years is also due to the interconnection of some localities to the SIN (National Interconnected System), a process that reduces operational costs, increases the reliability of supply, and decreases dependence on local generation based on fossil fuels.
Nevertheless, the plan acknowledges that a significant portion of the population will continue to rely on isolated solutions in the medium term.
Safety
The document details the strategies adopted to ensure the continuity and reliability of energy supply in Isolated Systems. Key points include the need to ensure adequate supply contracts, advance planning for generation expansion, and constant monitoring of operating conditions in these regions.
Isolated systems exhibit specific characteristics, such as irregular load growth, logistical challenges for fuel transportation, and greater vulnerability to operational failures.
Energy planning therefore needs to consider different scenarios, with additional safety margins and solutions adapted to the local reality. Another aspect highlighted is the role of thermoelectric power plants, which still account for the majority of generation in these systems.
Although acknowledging the high costs and associated environmental impacts, the MME/EPE planning notes that these power plants remain essential to ensure continuous supply, especially in locations where structural alternatives are not yet available.
energy transition
The reduction of 52 systems compared to 2022 is presented as an indication of progress in the electricity integration policy, but the document makes it clear that the complete elimination of Isolated Systems will not occur in the short term.
In this context, the challenge lies in balancing three main objectives: ensuring the energy security of the populations served, controlling supply costs, and gradually advancing the transition to a cleaner energy matrix.
The strategy includes both evaluating new interconnections to the National Interconnected System (SIN) and improving local generation solutions. Another aspect mentioned is the importance of continuously monitoring the demographic and economic evolution of these regions, since changes in consumption patterns may require adjustments in planning.
The expansion of productive activities or population growth in isolated areas can put pressure on existing infrastructure, requiring additional investments.
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.
