ANEEL and solar sector: there is no agreement

Contrary to what has been reported, there is still no retreat or agreement from ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency) with the solar sector. To date, the photovoltaic market remains uncertain about the maintenance of acquired rights, in addition to the changes proposed in REN 482 (Normative Resolution 482/2012).

The debate surrounding the new rules for distributed generation is increasingly heated and still promises twists and turns. A large part of society is united in a movement against the proposals of the ANEEL, which harm the distributed generation sector and can seriously shake the photovoltaic solar energy market. 

On Thursday (31), the presidency of FIESP (Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo) called an emergency meeting with the Minister of MME (Mines and Energy), Bento Albuquerque, the directors of ANEEL, André Pepitone and Rodrigo Limpi, and more than 30 entrepreneurs from the solar sector.

Also participating were ABSOLAR (Brazilian Solar Energy Association) and ABGD (Brazilian Distributed Generation Association), in addition to several members of ABRADEE (Brazilian Association of Electric Energy Distributors).

During the meeting, the directors of ANEEL and the Minister of Mines and Energy admitted that the proposed new rules are harmful to the development of photovoltaic solar energy in Brazil. According to the testimony of people present at the meeting, ANEEL is aware of the strength of the existing movement in favor of solar energy and the desires of the population.

A ANEEL also admitted to being mistaken about the proposal made two weeks ago about the maintenance of acquired rights for only 10 years for generators already installed, which differs from the initial proposal of 25 years.

According to members defending the solar sector present at the meeting, the news released regarding a possible agreement is untrue and only attempts to divert public attention, with the aim of weakening the spirit of the movement against the new rules and in defense of the solar sector. 

According to lawyer Bárbara Rubim, vice president of Distributed Generation at ABSOLAR, during the meeting “the minister spoke, saying that respect for contracts is something basic in Brazil”. According to the executive, ANEEL and the minister stated that the rights during the 25-year period would indeed be guaranteed.

However, there was no formal agreement, despite the statements heard at the meeting, and discussions are still ongoing. should continue. The clash is far from over and the next chapter will take place at the in-person public hearing of ANEEL which will take place next Thursday (7), in Brasília (DF).