Distributed micro and mini-generation (MMGD) in Brazil is not only compatible with the current electrical system, but also promotes the reduction of technical losses and postpones the need for investments in network infrastructure.
These are some of the main conclusions of a groundbreaking technical study presented by ABGD (Brazilian Association of Distributed Generation) to... ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency).
The contribution meets the requirements. Law 14.300 / 2022which established that the CNPE (National Council for Energy Policy) and the regulatory body would develop guidelines and regulations regarding the costs and benefits of distributed generation.
The analysis, which used a formidable database to portray the Brazilian reality, demonstrates that most distribution networks operate with levels of solar energy penetration and other renewable sources that are largely beneficial to the system's operation.
The technical work was developed by MRST Consultoria e Engenharia, with the direct collaboration of renowned experts in the electrical sector and researchers from USP (University of São Paulo).
To ensure that the results were statistically accurate and free from distortions caused by isolated cases, the researchers relied on the regulatory agency's own database.
The methodology employed used the grouping of representative networks, allowing for the faithful reproduction of the electrical behavior of 27 primary network feeders and nearly 6 million secondary networks spread throughout the national territory.
Myths of high penetration
During the presentation of the data in ANEELA study led by ABGD advisor José Wanderley Marangon demonstrated that the narrative claiming distributed generation overloads grids is not supported by global data.
According to the survey, the vast majority of Brazilian grids still have low or medium penetration of distributed generation (DG), and many of them do not even have micro or mini-generation systems installed. "When penetration is low or medium, generation close to the load brings benefits, reduces losses, and postpones investments," Marangon stated during the presentation.
The study identifies that situations classified as critical are exceptions and only appear in high penetration scenarios, which are still infrequent in Brazil. The data reveals that only about 3% of secondary networks nationwide have high penetration of self-generation.
The central point defended by ABGD is that it is not statistically reasonable to condemn the entire distributed generation segment based on extreme cases that represent a minimal fraction of the system.
Furthermore, even under these high concentration conditions, the study did not observe any significant violations of electrical restrictions that could compromise the integrity of the grid.
Reverse flow and technical criteria
One of the most debated topics currently in the electricity sector, the so-called power flow reversal, was also addressed in depth in the report delivered to the agency. ABGD argues that power flow reversal should not be considered a problem in itself.
According to the organization, the focus of regulation and oversight should be on technical criteria that truly impact the end consumer, such as voltage levels, equipment load, and the quality of power supply.
The study suggests that addressing potential bottlenecks should be local and specific, rather than a generalized approach that could discourage new investments.
When the grid starts functioning as a collector of generated energy—a function for which it was not originally designed—operational inconveniences may arise, but the study points to clear solutions.
In these specific cases, the solution lies in investments in protection systems, voltage control, and expansion of transformation capacity, with storage technologies emerging as the main ally to neutralize harmful effects and maximize benefits to the system.
The strategic role of batteries
The integration between self-generation and storage technologies is seen as the next natural step in the sector's evolution. The study highlights that the use of stationary batteries, combined with the use of batteries from electric vehicles themselves, tends to solve a large part of the operational challenges that arise with the growth of decentralized renewable generation.
This technological transformation process allows generation close to the load to collaborate not only with local distribution, but also with the transmission system, provided there is proper operational control.
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