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The technology of photovoltaic power generation has been increasingly regarded in many countries as an alternative to reduce the environmental impacts associated with climate changes and dependence on fossil fuels. Countries such as Germany and other European countries have been developed specific regulatory mechanisms to encourage its use either by government programs or by financial and/or tax incentives. In Brazil, despite the large existing solar potential, the encouragement to technology is still incipient. This paper aims to demonstrate the key aspects of the evolution of regulatory incentives to use photovoltaic solar energy in Brazil and present the technologies and characteristics of photovoltaic power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper debates the main reasons why Chinese and Brazilian energy policies have not focused on Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) deployment until now. Like most emerging economies, China and Brazil have registered large increases in energy demand, as well as considerable growth of energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On the other hand, both countries have played an important role on the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure and - considering that large portions of their territories present high levels of "Direct Normal Irradiation" (DNI) - CSP technologies might have figured as an important strategy for the mitigation of atmosphere pollution and global warming. Since large scale deployment of CSP technologies still implies high "Levelized Costs Of Electricity" (LCOE) that could affect the competitiveness of national industry in global markets, we argue that a comprehensive answer for this question must place national energy policies in the context of a "world-system" analysis. CSP has not benefited from the international demand that has boosted wind turbines and photovoltaic cells with their subsequent price reductions. Furthermore, we will discuss the "elective affinities" between thermal solar investments and the development of those regions that present the lowest performances in the Chinese and Brazilian socioeconomic realities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers perspectives on the development of low-carbon energy technology in Brazil, pinpointing changes that have occurred since our former publication in 2011. It takes a fresh approach in terms of how likely Brazil will achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions Commitments in the energy sector. Many countries have implemented national climate policies to accomplish their pledged NDC and contribute to the temperature objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Based on official reports and databases of energy development projections in Brazil and the socioeconomic context, we discuss what can be expected for the future of the Brazilian energy sector, the probability of implementing selected technologies, and the prospects of reaching the NDC targets for 2025 and 2030. In addition, this paper provides an overview of the current stage of development of these technologies, main directions, and bottlenecks in Brazil. Analyses have shown that the Brazilian renewable matrix tends to remain significant, driven by the development of solar and mostly small hydroelectric power sources, as well as different types of biomass. In addition, the system will include the replacement of thermoelectric plants powered by diesel and fuel oil by natural gas plants. The prospects for Brazil's official energy plan for 2027 are aligned with the reference technology scenario, which represents the business as usual scenario. Despite this, low-carbon technologies could be implemented far beyond the NDC's goals, given the abundance of renewable natural resources in the country. • Prospects for low-carbon technologies in Brazil are lacking. • RenovaBio Law may promote bioelectricity production from sugarcane bagasse. • Small hydro will play an important role in the achievement of Brazilian NDC for the hydroelectric sector. • Wind power is developing rapidly, but still substantial room for growth. • Solar power is developing slower than expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]