Caminhos para a Sustentabilidade Energética: Ensaios sobre energias sustentáveis para o Brasil

Abstract

Brazil's history with the electricity sector is one of the most well-established, with the first encounters with electricity dating back to 1879 and the establishment of its first power plant in 1883. The emergence and development of Brazil's electricity sector resulted from significant state-coordinated investment in both state-owned enterprises and the private sector, making it one of the most renewable energy matrices in the world. Initially, however, the State played a monopolistic role in the sector. Later, following energy crises and a lack of investment due to the increasing public debt of the federal government and its constituent states, the State's role shifted towards that of a regulatory, oversight, and fiscal and credit incentive agent within the sector. This transition led to a restructuring of the industry, culminating in the establishment of the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) in 1996. ANEEL was created to regulate Brazil's electricity sector, oversee power generation, transmission, distribution, and commercialization across the national territory, ensuring compliance with federal government policies and guidelines, as well as fostering legislation to promote the expansion of renewable energy sources. This article, therefore, aims to provide a comprehensive historical overview and general evolution of laws and advancements in Brazil's energy sector since its inception in 1879, authorized by Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro II, up to the present day. Additionally, it seeks to present in detail the public policies implemented by successive governments to expand renewable energy sources and to outline future perspectives for Brazil’s energy matrix, particularly in the context of the National Energy Plan for 2050.