With the collaboration of Daniel Lima, director of BESS/GVD Energia at UCB Power*
Brazil is experiencing a decisive moment in its energy transition. With more than 3,8 million consumer units with distributed generation (DG)—3,1 million of which are residential, according to data from ANEEL — the country demonstrates the leading role of consumers in the search for energy autonomy and savings.
But this progress, although positive, brings urgent challenges for the national electricity system.
The challenge of stability
The accelerated growth of DG, especially solar, has put pressure on the grid in times of low demand.
Without flexibility mechanisms, such as energy storage, the system must resort to power cuts and shutdowns of dispatched plants to maintain frequency balance. This compromises operational reliability and efficiency.
Storage: The Missing Piece
Less than 1% of DG units have storage systems. This gap represents a missed strategic opportunity. Integrating batteries into existing systems can:
- Reduce energy injection during times of low demand;
- Relieve pressure on distributors;
- Increase the resilience of the electrical system;
- Generate savings and autonomy for the consumer;
- Enable new business models, such as ancillary services.
Instead of penalizing distributed generation with power outages, Brazil should invest in storing the surplus and reintegrating it into the grid during peak consumption periods. The technology exists, and the model is viable. What's missing is political will and adequate regulation.
What can we learn from Australia?
Australia is a clear example of how well-designed public policies can accelerate the adoption of residential batteries. The Cheaper Home Batteries program, with a budget of A$2,3 billion, offers subsidies of up to 30% on the installation cost of batteries between 5 kWh and 100 kWh.
In addition, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) grants certificates that generate direct discounts, and state governments supplement this with subsidies or interest-free loans.
The result, according to the Clean Energy Council, is that demand for domestic batteries grew by 50% in the second half of 2024, cementing storage as a central element of Australia's energy transition.
A strategic public agenda
Promoting distributed storage is not just a technical matter; it's a public agenda of national importance. Brazil needs to develop policies that align economic incentives, clear regulation, and the promotion of technological innovation to generate scale and accelerate benefits for consumers, distributors, and the system as a whole.
Brazilian consumers have already proven their willingness to invest in solar energy. Now, it's time to take the next step: transforming them into protagonists of a more decentralized, clean, and intelligent system.
Brazil, with its vast solar potential and already established distributed generation, has all the conditions to adapt similar practices to make a qualitative leap in its electricity matrix. All that's missing is an energy policy that sees storage as a solution, not a luxury.
Co-author of the text:
Daniel Lima, Economist with an MBA in Architecture, Construction, and Sustainable Construction Management. He has built a diverse and strategic career, working in the public, private, and third sectors. He has extensive experience in sustainable projects and raising national and international funds. He excelled as General Coordinator of PRODETUR—the Northeast Tourism Development Program, where he led initiatives with regional impact. Currently, he is a solar energy specialist and consultant, CEO of Agrosolar Investimentos Sustentáveis, and Director of GVD Energia, contributing to the energy transition and strengthening the green economy in Brazil. His work combines economic vision, technological innovation, and environmental commitment—essential pillars for a more just and sustainable future.
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.
Answers of 3
I'm leaning toward completing my Weg/Huawei hybrid system. But the prices really scare me, and the labor costs are out of the question.
How can I get this quality storage and the technical team to support it? Is it possible to pay in installments?
The government only helps Agro and businesspeople who help the environment by installing solar panels in our homes and now we are threatened with more tariffs and most of us are paying off the financing just like me.