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The subsector of pulp and paper presented in 2013 an electric power consumption of 9.3% of electricity consumption in the industrial sector in Brazil. It experienced a significant growth of production in the last 20 years, exceeding 160%, and their consumption of electricity increased by 130%, reaching the level of 19,594GWh. Due to its characteristics, with a known structure and production processes, and its importance in the country's industrial sector, this subsector was selected for study in this paper, to evaluate the behavior of its long-term annual electricity demand, at the horizon of 20 years ahead, in energy efficiency scenarios through bottom-up approach. This approach is data intensive and requires data with good quality; it consists of a hierarchical structure that enables to check how specific actions can affect the results at each level and its effect on higher levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thematic area studied in this paper considers environmental issues such as atmospheric pollution from the combustion of fossil fuels, and the environmental impacts from the generation of urban agricultural solid wastes. This study has estimated the potential for hydrogen and biogas production from solid urban waste (SUW) and wine waste from Bento Gonçalves, which is a region in Brazil with the largest wine throughput and subsequent waste generation, thus providing a potential high-energy feedstock. The resulting hydrogen and biogas are assumed to displace the existing fuels in the local bus fleet. The analytical work consisted of three scenarios - scenario 1: production of biogas using SUW, sourced exclusively from the municipality of Bento Gonçalves; Scenario 2: the possibility to supply SUW from Bento Gonçalves and surrounding cities, to produce biogas; Scenario 3: the possibility to use wine waste and SUW for biogas production. Scenario 3 showed the greatest energy yield with 37.9 Gg of biomethane produced per year, which can supply the entire public bus fleet of Bento Gonçalves. The resulting hydrogen production potential using steam reforming of biomethane is 1.09 E+08 Nm3H 2.d−1 which can generate 2.62 TW h.year−1 of electrical energy, avoiding approximate emissions of 355 ktonCO 2.year−1. These findings indicate value in the production of biogas from urban and agricultural wastes, especially for the generation of methane, hydrogen and useful energy outputs. Its production from renewable and clean sources contributes to the gradual transformation of an economy currently dependent on non-renewable resources into a circular and renewable economy. [Display omitted] • Biomethane and hydrogen production from the wine industry. • 7.76 E+06 and 1.09 E+08 Nm3.d−1 of H 2 production. • 2.53 E + 04 to 3.55 E+05 tonCO 2.year−1 of avoided emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrated in the northern region of Brazil, the country's 250 isolated systems represent around 1% of the national energy consumption and have been historically supplied by diesel power plants, an expensive solution that relies on complicated logistics and is responsible for high GHG emissions. Although many publications indicate that renewables are already a cost-effective solution, especially for economies dependent on expensive fuels, the conventional generation is still the main source of electricity on isolated systems, even in recent projects. This paper presents suggestions of public policies to stimulate the use of environmentally friendly energy sources at off-grid places in Brazil and discusses the probable reasons why this transition has not been driven yet, including barriers related to subsidies, energy tariffs and tax rules. To evaluate these policies, a multicriteria decision model was developed using the AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) methods, combined with fuzzy logic. Eighteen criteria were assessed, and ten specialists were interviewed. The study concluded that pilot projects of hybrid power plants, combining diesel engines and renewable technologies, would be the most effective policy. Other relevant policies pointed as relevant were the simplification of environmental licensing for projects based on renewables and the adoption of a more mandatory energy planning. • Diesel is the main source for electricity generation in Brazilian isolated systems. • Many studies suggest that renewables are already cost effective in these systems. • Six public policies are proposed to promote renewables in isolated systems. • An MCDM model (AHP-fuzzy-TOPSIS) is developed to evaluate the policies. • The policies are ranked according to their contribution to the target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane mills currently use sugarcane bagasse to cogenerate heat and electricity, supplying the process with mechanical, thermal and electrical energy. Some of these plants are able to produce surplus electricity to export to the national grid. With the improvement in collection techniques, sugarcane straw has also become available and has been used in some mills as fuel for steam boilers, mixed with sugarcane bagasse. However, due to different traits compared to bagasse, the use of sugarcane straw may pose additional problems of incrustation and corrosion on heat exchange surfaces. Several alternatives and technologies have been studied and tried out in order to increase the production of surplus electricity. Among others, biomass integrated gasifier–gas turbine combined cycle (BIGCC) is a promising technology. However, several attempts have resulted in failure, whether on a pilot or industrial scale. Biomass gasification integrated with internal combustion engines can become an opportunity for generation of small power capacity (<15 MW) and integrated to sugarcane mills. This paper analyzes the difficulties and barriers to increasing electricity generation in the sugarcane industry through studies, projects and experimental and industrial-scale installations that have already been carried out. • Bagasse and cane straw show great potential for electricity generation. • Sugarcane industry in Brazil accounts for 6.4% of the electricity generated. • Biomass integrated gasification and combined cycle can increase electricity generation. • Technological and economic challenges are major barriers to the development of BIGCC. • No BIGCC project already implemented is currently in commercial operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper discusses the complementarity between hydroelectricity and surplus electricity from sugarcane biomass-based cogeneration plants in sugarcane mills. The paper investigates opportunities and barriers in the context of governments'' initiatives, institutions and prevailing regulatory frameworks in Brazil and Nepal. The paper finds that bioelectricity from cogeneration can be a good complementary option for hydroelectric power, helping foster diversification on the generation side and enhance security of electricity supply based on local resources. Bioelectricity potential from sugarcane biomass is estimated to be in the range of 209–313 GWh for Nepal and 62–93 TWh for Brazil. In Nepal, the grid connected bioelectricity can provide power for operating industries, and support local development through rural electrification. In Brazil, the biomass potential can be further enhanced through a better utilization of the biomass in the sugar-ethanol industry to balance hydropower availability. This comparative study offers a reflection on the need for better planning and policies to address the barriers which are hindering the development of bioelectricity even in places where the potential is large. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a proposal of sustainable management model alternative for electrification of remote communities in the Amazon region, considering the Brazilian regulation policy. This paper presents also a case study of the electrification in a river-dwelling community in the State of Pará, Brazil, within the scope of the Program for Electric Power Service Universalization in Brazil. The community shall be provided with electrification facilities through a small biomass-based power plant, directly firing residues produced by the local economic activity. The objective of the paper is to make a proposal for a sustainable management model that is suitable for the community’s isolation conditions, considering the high costs with operation and maintenance related to the supply for isolated consumers in small locations. A simulation is conducted for the operation of the small biomass-based power plant; the generation costs are determined; the legal aspects are analyzed; and a suggestion for the management model is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Brazilian Amazon Region is living with the consequences of governance based on predatory extraction of its natural resources, bringing little or no benefit to the local population. The region suffers from socioeconomic inequality and lack of basic infrastructure. The populations of the Amazon Region, if and when supplied with electricity at all, are provided with a low quality service based on energy generation from fossil fuels, subject to difficulties in terms of access and logistics, and negative environmental impacts. There have been programs aimed at the universalization of electricity services, such as the current Programa Luz para Todos (Light for All Program), but they have not succeeded in altering this scenario in the North region of the country. In this paper we present the result of these initiatives and an overview of the Isolated Systems in the Amazon Region. We propose in this paper that the provision of electric energy be effectively considered part of a plan for generating wealth and employment for the region''s inhabitants, whilst preserving the environment. The solutions offered to each community should take into account the need to manage renewable energy sources, should be developed together with local populations, and drawing on the lessons learned from other projects. The specific characteristics and needs of the communities should be taken into account and local people should be empowered as citizens by means of their involvement in the development possibilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract The Brazilian electricity system is an important example of a large country relying on a high renewable energy matrix with a major focus on hydropower, which has historically allowed for low carbon electricity production. However, the increase in the demand and climate change impacts on the availability of these renewable resources represent important challenges for long-term power planning. The contribution of this paper is twofold: Firstly, a first attempt to use the EnergyPLAN model for the analysis of the Brazilian electricity sector and in particular to study future scenarios is presented. Secondly, the possibility of achieving a 100% RES system is also addressed. The 100% RES scenario is found to be theoretically possible but a substantial increase in the overall installed capacity would be required, to support the grid mainly during the spring and summer season. The results underline the importance of seasonal complementarity of hydro and wind power and reveal how an increase in RES would add exportation potential, reducing also the Brazilian external energy dependency. The study identifies risk factors for these high RES scenarios and outlines several avenues for future research to address cost, environmental and technical uncertainties of the system. Highlights • The Brazilian power sector is analysed with EnergyPLAN computer model. • Renewable scenarios are compared for technical, cost, emissions and risk parameters. • The importance of seasonal complementarity of hydro and wind power is outlined. • The 100% RES scenario results in full decarbonization of the system at higher cost. • The 100% RES scenario results in higher exportation and lower importation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed review of the energy potential from residual biomass for distributed generation in Brazil, presenting the potential by macro-region of the different types of residues generated in the agricultural, forestry, livestock, industrial and urban sectors. The focus of this research is to map and point out, through bibliographic research, the great potential of biomass in the Brazilian market for the production of biogas and consequently the use for electric power generation in the country and especially in the state of Paraná. Therefore, it should be emphasized that the methodology used is based on a bibliographic research from databases and recent research using a survey carried out by the ITAIPU Technological Park (PTI) in partnership with SENAI/PR, using the FIEP Observatories. As result, this research describes through data collection a favorable scenario for the technical feasibility of the use of biomass for the energetic use of biogas for power generation. The distributed generation of electricity from the use of biomass could help Brazil in the preservation of the environment as well as contribute to the diversification of the energy matrix, economic development and broadening access to energy in isolated communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of existing electricity grids to smart grids is aimed at accommodating increasing shares of renewable generation thus contributing for the de-carbonization of economy, offering more diversified services to consumers, enhancing different types of markets (energy, capacity, ancillary services) and improving the system's overall efficiency. As the economic characteristics of the electricity sector tend to discourage investments in smart grids, many countries have adopted incentive policies to foster the deployment of new technologies, which vary according to the particular characteristics of each country. Therefore, the design of specific public policies for Brazil must consider not only the motivations involved, but also the existing challenges for the implementation of smart grids and the socio-economic context. Moreover, the relevance of the proposed policies can be seen from different perspectives. This justifies the need to elicit information from multiple stakeholders for decision support purposes. This paper presents and assesses a set of policies identified by different stakeholders as having a potential to foster the development of smart grids in Brazil. The methodology to shape this set of policies consisted of a thorough literature review of international experiences, combined with meetings with experts in several domains. Then, these policies were assessed by applying a Delphi questionnaire aiming at measuring their effectiveness in fulfilling the objectives associated with investments in smart grids. A first conclusion is that all policies were assessed as having a positive impact taking into account each of the objectives, differing only in the priority to be assigned to each one. The policies that were considered more relevant were: "Incentive Policies for Promoting Demand-Side Management, Distributed Generation and Storage", "Regulatory Changes to Foster Innovation in the Energy Sector" and "Regulation of New Business Models". Among the policies with the worst scores, "Mandatory Rollout of Smart Meters" and "Establishing Quality Standards for the Telecommunications Industry" were ranked as the two lower-ranked policies, i.e., they were assigned lower priority under all objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global economy is advancing towards a low-carbon future. Alongside this energy transition, the sustainability concept has become a fundamental value of our society, encouraging a worldwide discussion on the consideration of socio-environmental issues by the energy sector. In Brazil, the electricity generation expansion planning has not been doing enough to incorporate these issues into its decision-making process, especially in regards to alternative and renewable energy sources. Considering that Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) is suitable for addressing this situation, we focus on one of its first steps, which consists of defining a set of indicators able to communicate sustainability issues. With this in mind, this paper aims at incorporating sustainability into the decision-making process concerning electricity generation in Brazil by formulating a set of indicators. We carry out a systematic review for collecting the leading environmental, social, and economic indicators used by scientific papers focused on recent and practical LCSA studies concerning electricity generation and that contemplate alternative and renewable energy sources. Thus, we analyze the frequency of indicators in a sample of 41 papers and screen them against selection criteria and their relevance for the Brazilian context. As a result, we establish a set of 28 indicators (18 environmental, four social, and six economic). It is clear from our findings that LCSA practitioners have been facing different levels of methodological and practical challenges depending on the dimension of sustainability, which reflects on the number of environmental, social, and economic indicators collected from the overall sample. • 28 indicators have been selected from a systematic review of practical LCSA studies. • Traditional communities and protected areas were included in this set of indicators. • The final set of indicators covers environmental, social, economic dimensions. • They can be used to incorporate sustainability into the Brazilian electricity sector. • Practical LCSA studies in the electricity sector mainly address environmental issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology selection, its power and efficiency determination for electricity generation using agroforestry residues is the main goal and the novelty of this paper. It is based on the fitted efficiency vs. power curves for commercial mature technologies. The assessment of the level of maturity of biomass-based electricity generation Technologies based on Technology Readiness Levels was used as criteria to define the technologies to be considered in this study: conventional Rankine cycle, organic Rankine cycle and gasifier/internal combustion engine. Pretreatment technologies influence on generation costs is determined based on chippers and drum dryers cost and its energy consumption. We developed a coherent methodology for selecting the technology and calculation of power/efficiency of electricity generation projects considering biomass derived from plant-based lignocellulosic solid biomass residues derived from agricultural and forest activities. A case study based on eucalyptus forest residues availability in three microregions of the Minas Gerais State in Brazil allowed to define the technology to be used in each case and its power, efficiency and levelized cost of electricity, that includes pretreatment and logistic costs. Obtained LCOE values are compared with data from different publications, that is a validation of the presented methodology. Results allow concluding about the considerable influence of residues logistics on LCOE. [Display omitted] • Lowest LCOE corresponds to CRC:0,1652 USD/kWh. • Highest LCOE corresponds to G/ICE with 0,3080 USD/kWh. • Costs and power consumption data of pretreatment technologies are presented. • Fitted power-efficiency curves based on an extensive literature review are presented. • Only technologies with higher maturity, CRC, ORC and G/ICE, are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new computational tool, called SolarEnergy, which was implemented through an innovative methodology to perform technical-economic analysis of photovoltaic (PV) microgeneration in Brazil. SolarEnergy calculates energy flow and energy bill savings based on the rules of the Brazilian NEM scheme. From the maximization of the net present value, SolarEnergy provides the optimal nominal power according to the orientation and slope of PV panels and the electricity consumption profile. This functionality is crucial to avoid undersizing or oversizing, which commonly occurs in practice. In addition, the tool provides the following information: (i) electricity generation, (ii) net present value, (iii) modified internal rate of return, (iv) discounted payback time, and (v) sensitivity analysis of key parameters (e.g., nominal power, pv system cost, electricity tariff, and minimum attractive rate of return). Currently, such particularities are characterized as relevant differences in relation to other computational tools. The validation and applicability of SolarEnergy are demonstrated from case studies of PV systems installed in the state of Goiás, Brazil. • An innovative computational tool, called SolarEnergy, for PV systems is proposed. • SolarEnergy performs technical-economic analysis of PV microgeneration in Brazil. • SolarEnergy takes into account the new Brazilian Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme. • SolarEnergy provides economic indicators such as NPV, MIRR, and Discounted Payback. • SolarEnergy provides optimal sizing of PV systems from an economic point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the policy landscape of a new configuration for the electricity sector, distributed electricity generation, DG, which was introduced in 2012 and regulated in Brazil by the National Electricity Regulation Agency (ANEEL) through a net-metering regulation. The present analysis focuses on the landscape surrounding the policy problem definition and the subsequent policy goals which were established by the national regulator as primarily related to removing barriers to grid access. The policy context surrounding DG in Brazil is analyzed within the broader scope of electricity planning goals, which is a responsibility of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and still shows strong preference to the centralized regime. The design of the net-metering mechanism and the impact of ANEEL's resolution in terms of the number and spatial distribution of the projects across states are also explored. Lastly, an econometric approach is taken by creating a linear regression model to decipher the determinants of successful policy deployment between states. The analysis shows that the electricity rates have an important impact, while the application of a state tax ICMS has negative effects on project uptake. The strength of solar resources was not a significant variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilization at concentrations consistent with keeping global warming below 2 °C above the pre-industrial level will require drastic cuts in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions during the first half of the century; net negative emissions approaching 2100 are required in the vast majority of current emission scenarios. For negative emissions, the focus has been on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), where carbon-neutral bioenergy would be combined with additional carbon capture thus yielding emissions lower than zero. Different BECCS technologies are considered around the world and one option that deserves special attention applies CCS to ethanol production. It is currently possible to eliminate 27.7 million tonnes (Mt) of CO 2 emissions per year through capture and storage of CO 2 released during fermentation, which is part of sugar cane-based ethanol production in Brazil. Thus, BECCS could reduce the country’s emissions from energy production by roughly 5%. Such emissions are additional to those due to the substitution of biomass-based electricity for fossil-fueled power plants. This paper assesses the potential and cost effectiveness of negative emissions in the joint production system of ethanol and electricity based on sugar cane, bagasse, and other residues in Brazil. An important benefit is that CO 2 can be captured twice along the proposed BECCS supply chain (once during fermentation and once during electricity generation). This study only considers BECCS from fermentation because capturing such CO 2 is straightforward, thus potentially representing a cost-effective mitigation option for Brazil compared to other alternatives. The assessment shows that fuel prices would increase by less than 3.5% due to the adoption of BECCS from fermentation, while increasing investors’ revenues are sufficient to compensate for the investment required. With appropriate government subsidies, or by sharing BECCS costs between all car fuels and all electricity supplied by hydro and bioelectricity, the increment in ethanol and electricity prices could be less than 1% for the final consumer. Meanwhile it would supply 77.3% of all cars’ fuel (private cars) and 17.9% of all electricity in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, large players in Energy Market dedicate many efforts in valuation and optimal capital allocation decision for their projects implementation, due the large candidate projects number in their investment portfolios. These decisions aim to choose the projects subset to be implemented, because the monetary resources are generally smaller than necessary for all projects. There are presented many risks that increase as the risks and uncertainties deal with analysis and optimal decisions. The classical methods to investment portfolios valuation are based on maximizing the returns and minimizing the risks. These classical methods may not be able to handle properly the Real Options of projects, their risks and uncertainties. This paper presents a Fuzzy Real Option model portfolio analysis for valuation phase and a genetic algorithm for optimization phase. A real case is presented to illustrate the methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar tracking maximizes the amount of electricity generated by photovoltaic (PV) panels throughout the day. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand the effects of the topology on the degradation of PV modules. Thus, a methodology is described in this paper to predict changes in the degradation and performance over the lifetime of PV panels according to solar tracking topology. A technical and economic analysis of an experimental system built in UFSM (Santa Maria-RS, Brazil) is used to discuss typical configurations with and without solar tracking. Computational simulations were performed in the OpenDSS, Matlab and Homer programs for a period of 25 years. The results show an increase up to 2.43% in the accumulated degradation at the end of the simulated period by using a solar panel tracking compared to the fixed topology. In compensation, solar tracking increased annual electricity generation by an average of 20.87% proving that this topology is technically and economically quite feasible. • A methodology to predict the durability and performance of PV panels with solar tracking and fixed topologies. • A solar tracking system stands out as an excellent alternative to maximize PV energy generation. • Detailed technical and economic analysis between performance and durability relationship in a PV panels installation. • Fuzzy logic modeling as an innovative solution to find out the degradation rate of PV panels with solar tracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower is the backbone of the Brazilian electricity generation sector. Even though the use of this resource is advantaged in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, last years׳ severe droughts have exposed the country׳s huge dependency on hydroelectricity. Brazil׳s electricity supply system has shown to be vulnerable to electricity shortages and has demanded significant overhaul in order to address its challenges. The present paper provides a comprehensive review of the current status of the Brazilian electricity sector and discusses diversification of electricity generation mix as a strategy to improve electricity supply security in the country. An overview of the main features of the energy sources applied in Brazil is also presented through a review of the latest available generation data. The central section of this work is a discussion of the main causes of the current crisis and the future role of renewable energy sources in a 10-year perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil has a predominantly renewable origin electricity generation matrix, with hydro generation accounting for about 69% of the supply. This paper promotes hydropower projects in Brazil environmental licensing procedure critical assessment, with the aim of identifying and assessing possible solutions to enhance the process, especially through Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) application to hydroelectric generation expansion planning processes. It was concluded that impact assessment has led to significant environmental improvements, as it is capable of preventing, controlling and compensating significant – and very often irreversible – environmental impacts, especially through projects optimization and environmental programs that were not initially foreseen in the EIA inclusion. However, as has been expounded throughout this study, there are still several gaps and limitations in the current process, both in power generation expansion planning aspect and project environmental impact assessment aspect. SEA application in the planning phase could contribute to facilitate and simplify hydroelectric plants licensing. Many currently compulsory stages that are carried out after the request for a prior license, such as the consultation made to involved entities and the area environmental diagnosis could already be commenced in the planning phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a literature review on smart grid concepts, considering generation, transmission and distribution of electricity besides smart consumption, including smart home, Demand-Side Response Programs, and Active Demand-Side Management. An analysis of the smart grid development in Brazil is performed, presenting the policy and regulation efforts beyond investments. This analysis takes account a pattern for smart grid development, and one may observe that Brazil is going towards a smart grid full implementation; however it could take decades and requires adjusts from govern, regulatory agency, utilities and consumers, and more investments. Moreover, some of the major smart grid projects in Brazil are presented, and their characteristics are compared considering the technologies used, location and electric utility goals. Depending on the electric utilities objectives, one may observe similarities and differences between concepts adopted and location of the Brazilian smart grid pilot projects. The first objective is the validation and replicability of the pilot project implemented; once, the project location is a sample of the utility׳s energy market or it is a particular area of interest, like an off-grid powered island with high environmental restrictions, for instance. The second objective is creating a model of sustainable smart grid with national visibility, once the project location is a touristic place. The conception of smart grid is aligned with sustainability, and it is a tendency in Brazil a massive entry of smart grid technologies in the next years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key objective of this paper is to analyze the techno-economic feasibility of this alternative for the Brazilian municipalities, classified according to population subgroups, using this parameter as a basis for the calculation of the municipal solid waste generated, the project costs and revenues. Different expenses were taken into consideration, like equipments and installation costs, operation and maintenance costs and the interest rate of the investment. In relation to revenues, they come from of the sale of electricity, the incomes of the recyclable materials, the fees paid by the Brazilian municipalities for the disposal of municipal solid waste in sanitary landfills and incomes by the carbon credits. An analysis of each population subgroup, combining three different economical scenarios was done, with an annual rate of interests of 10.58% for Scenario 1, 7.5% for Scenario 2 and 15% for Scenario 3. The economic feasibility was evaluated using as economic indicators the net present value and the internal rate of return. The net present value was positive for the municipalities with more than 60,714 inhabitants for the Scenario 1, 34,203 for Scenario 2 and 259,845 for Scenario 3. A hypothetic gasification plant is capable to generate 905 kW/ton municipal solid waste for a population of 60,714 inhabitants (Scenario 1), 794 kW/ton municipal solid waste for a population of 34,203 inhabitants (Scenario 2) and 1065 kW/ton municipal solid waste for a population of 259,845 inhabitants (Scenario 3). It is concluded that the economic feasibility increases with the installation of bigger units, showing a positive scale up gains, therefore as higher the capacity of the installation lower the specific costs and higher are the benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper aims to identify and quantify the main potential environmental impacts of the sugarcane bagasse electricity generation in Brazil. To do so, it was employed the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique based on primary and secondary data from three previous studies encompassing electricity generation, transmission and distribution processes. It was identified that the main impact potentials of this type of electricity generation in Brazil that should be addressed by decision-makers are the photochemical ozone, the human toxicity via soil and the nutrient enrichment ones, which are caused mainly by the sugarcane straw burning prior harvesting and the chemical application. In addition, it was found that non-renewable resources, renewable resources and energy consumption are also important issues that should be addressed mostly in the process of electricity transmission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The growing demand for electrical power and the limited capital invested to provide this power is forcing countries like Brazil to search for new alternatives for electrical power generation. The purpose of this paper is to present a technical and economic study on a 15kW solar plant installed in an isolated community, highlighting the importance of the need for financial subsidy from the government. It evaluates the importance of parameters such as the annual interest rate, specific investment, the marginal cost of expanding the electrical power supply and the government subsidy on amortization time of capital invested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) uses several kinds of sources, including wind and solar, to make better use of the natural resources in standalone applications. A common application of HRES is in remote communities, where interconnected electrical grid is unreachable due to economics and physical reasons. Due to the long distance and difficult access to these isolated areas, electrical generation systems used in these applications must be reliable. And the reliability of the system, especially the inverter used to regulate the AC voltage, is one of the main problems associated to these systems, and it is responsible for the lack of confidence in renewable systems at several locations in Brazil. This paper shows the results of using renewable hybrid systems specially designed for isolated areas, focusing attention on reliability, efficiency and expansion flexibility. It presents the system description, mode of operation, inverter design, and experimental results measured in a pilot plant located in Lençóis Island, a small isolated community in the north region of Brazil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electric energy prices in Brazil are higher during 3h of peak consumption on working days; however, consumers could use a generator system for partially reducing the electricity costs from utility company during peak hours. The process of sizing a generator system begins developing the so called load capacity curve, using acquired building electricity consumption data. The local utility company supplies this data only for the last month of operation; consequently, data are unavailable for the rest of the year. In order to overcome the difficulty, this paper develops two methodologies to estimate the curve for every month of the year. The first one uses the frequency of occurrence of the measured values of the load power in each bin and the last one the monthly values of load power and energy consumption, as supplied by the local utility monthly bills. In order to validate the methodologies, monthly utility bills and consumption data of electric energy measured at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, every 15min over a four year period, have been used. Finally a generator system was sized, minimizing the electrical energy cost supplied by it, when the generator meets partially the building load. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Brazil is a country where the use of hydroelectric power for energy generation reaches the impressing amount of 70% in terms of electricity consumption, whereas the world average is around 16%. The current installed capacity in Brazil is approximately 114 GW, with an estimated total potential of 260 GW. The construction of reservoirs is associated with several environmental impacts, both of positive and negative nature. In the first group the most relevant are: energy production, employment generation, enhancement of water quality in the transformation from lotic to lentic ecosystems (turbidity reduction, higher water transparency, nutrients sedimentation and decreasing of eutrophication processes downstream), expansion of working posts offer during the construction of power plants; supply of reliable low cost energy to the region and substitution of diesel based thermoelectric generation by hydroelectric generation. The main impacts of negative nature are changes in water quality, people relocation, changes in the structure of the aquatic community, loss of genetic patrimony (flora and fauna), slopes destabilization and climatic alterations, including those related to the emission of greenhouse gases. In this sense several researches are currently being carried out in the country with the aim of quantifying the main emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O. Eutrophication processes may also be developed in inundated areas, leading to the eventual presence of cyanobacteria. These organisms pose a special concern to Brazilian health authorities, since this was the first country to report human deaths caused by cyanotoxins (city of Caruaru, 1996). Another relevant aspect related with dams design is the possible creation of the so-called low flow reaches, downstream the reservoir. These river stretches should be kept with a minimum water flow (ecological flow), whose sound calculation is still subjected to some uncertainties. The paper presents a balance of the positive and negative environmental aspects of the construction and operation of hydroelectric reservoirs based on the large experience accumulated through research and consulting projects developed at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There are at least 607 thousand households in the Brazilian Amazon that need to be attended with some form of regular electricity service. These households are not attended by the electricity sector through its electricity distribution companies and most of them have some form of precarious decentralized electricity generation that is not registered or regulated in the institutional framework. Diverse initiatives were taken by Brazilian government to attend these household through alternatives that relied on locally available renewable energy. This paper accesses this initiatives of rural electrification in the Brazilian Amazon. First an overview of the problems of rural electricity are discussed and its specificities in the Brazilian Amazon. Then the Brazilian institutional framework that organizes the decentralized electricity generation is described with its various limitations. The diverse initiatives undertaken to attend the rural communities in the Amazon since the 1990s are described, as well as how these initiatives are linked to the policies for rural electrification. The results shows that it can be inferred that sole market mechanisms are not sufficient to guarantee economic sustainability of these projects. This can be one of the reasons why traditional electricity distribution companies showed the lack of interest in promoting rural electrification with other means than grid extension. The most successful projects had financed efforts to integrate the generation of electricity into local development initiatives in order to guarantee sustainability and used substantial part of funding for local mobilization and organization. It needs a paradigm chance by treating these initiatives as local development initiatives and promoting alternative ways for its implementation through partnership between local new actors in the electricity sector and government and implementing policy on a local municipal level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In much of the world, there is increasing demand for electricity to serve rural communities, isolated from the existing grids and typified by low-density electrical consumption. Because these non-urban consumer markets require rather high implementation investments (as well as high operation and maintenance costs), new technological and policy options are required to meet the needs of these markets. These consumers typically use energy in daytime peak hours of electricity, typically for lighting, television, and communication—as well as for a variety of cultural habits such as hot water that impose high demands on the utility''s power distribution and generation system. This has been the case in Brazil, making it necessary to identify decentralized generation technologies to meet the potential markets, typically serving rural and poorer areas. The government itself provided the impetus with the passage of the Brazilian “Universalization Law” that mandated supplying electricity access for the entire population by the year 2010. This law allows the use of both the distribution grid and renewable energy off-grid technologies. In response, Brazil''s largest state utility, Energetic Company of Minas Gerais (CEMIG) has aggressively implemented the use of decentralized photovoltaic systems to supplement the conventional power grid to satisfy the “universalization” targets. This paper provides a summary of the status and the future prospects of solar photovoltaic Energy in Brasil, within the context of the “universal electricity supply” policy. The focus here is to highlight the successes and the issues experienced to date in the State of Minas Gerais. This includes examining the methods implemented to ensure system reliability for the consumers, as well as the standards established under the Agéncia Nacional de Energy Elétrica (ANEEL), the national regulator electrical agency that ensures compliance with the federal regulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of the feasibility of implementing biomass power plants, through thermoelectric power generation, and adding such plants to the electric system of the local electric utility by means of independent power production. Economic, regulatory, and market issues are also addressed. The biomass being considered is produced by the lumber sector, since that is one of the industrial sectors generating the largest amount of residues in a concentrated manner in the region under study, and also considering the fact that the disposal of such residues is currently difficult for the lumber companies. The locations with the largest production of residues, as well as the size of potential plants, are identified, the generation costs of the plants calculated, and the feasibility for implementing the plants is evaluated considering the market and the regulation of the Brazilian electric power sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article aims to investigate the introduction, sustenance and consolidation of bioethanol in Brazil. It presents an analysis of its introductory stage, from the first decades of the 20th century until the early 1970s, when, in a second stage, additional measures allowed for its consolidation and maturity, under the widely known Proalcool. The paper presents a historical reinterpretation of the policies, mechanisms and instruments adopted in both stages, aiming to highlight the economical and political links. It is concluded that the interests of the agrarian elites, operating at the political level, and the fuel supply crisis during Second World War were basic during the first stage, to sustain a productive and logistic capacity and maintain ethanol alive as an automotive fuel. It is also concluded that the launching of Proalcool represented a transition combining the interests of the sugarcane agribusiness, burdened by the drop in sugar prices, and the need to equilibrate the balance of payments due to the oil shocks of the 1970s. Ethanol supply shocks harmed its credibility and its commercial consolidation was only possible through the introduction of flex-fuel vehicles with expectations strongly relying on climate change mitigation actions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: This paper proposes a fast and inexpensive method for estimating the bathymetry of hydroelectric reservoirs. Brazil has more than 30 large hydroelectric reservoirs with a combined volume exceeding one billion cubic meters. The hydroelectric sector is responsible for 97% of the energy production in Brazil and is the largest hydroelectric park in the world. Among the variables affecting the environmental impacts of reservoirs, depth plays a major role because it influences the aquatic system hydrodynamics. Reservoir depth distribution (i.e., the bathymetry) is also a fundamental factor controlling the physical–chemical and biological properties of the system. However, the acquisition of bathymetric information for the large reservoirs in Brazil is not a simple task because: (1) most of the topographic maps available in the area of the lake have a very small scale (1:100,000 and smaller), (2) larger charts are the property of the hydropower companies and are classified, and (3) the size of the reservoirs prevent the use of bathymetric surveys. The proposed method of integrating historical and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) topographic data allowed for the estimation of the bathymetry of the Itumbiara reservoir with R 2 =0.98 (n =100, ρ =0.00) and RMSE=3.78m. For researchers who need a rapid and simple method to develop bathymetric maps of hydroelectric reservoirs, the proposed method can provide a simple and fast alternative to more data intensive methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Efficient management of water and energy is an important goal of sustainable development for any nation. Streamflow forecasts, have been used in complex optimization models to maximize water use efficiency and electrical energy production. In this paper we develop a statistical model for the long term forecasts of hydroenergy inflow into the Brazilian hydropower system, which consists of more than 70 hydropower reservoirs. At present, the planning of reservoir operation and energy production in Brazil is made with no reliable long term (one season or longer lead times) streamflow forecasts. Here we use the NINO3 index and the main modes of the tropical Pacific thermocline structure as climate predictors in order to achieve skillfull forecasts at long leads. Cross-validated results show that about 50% of the total hydroenergy inflow can be predicted with moderate accuracy up to 20 month lead time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The increasing interest in the recuperation of the biogas coming from organic residues, associated with its energetic use is a subject that has been widely discussed. Biogas was merely seen as a sub-product obtained from anaerobic decomposition (without oxygen) of organic residue. In the paper is carried out an evaluation of the quantities of organic residues coming out from the sugar and alcohol industry (vinasse), urban solid and liquid wastes (garbage and sewage) and livestock residues (bovine and swine manure) in Brazil. Finally the electricity generation potential of biogas out of the evaluated sources of organic residues in Brazil is estimated. The results of this study indicate that the potential regarding the production of biogas out of the aforementioned organic residues of electricity production using could meet an energy demand of about 1.05 to 1.13%. Constraints for biogas energy utilization are identified and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to give an overview of the programs, projects and technologies related to the use of biofuels in Brazil. An evaluation of the biomass availability and electricity generation potential for different industrial and agricultural sectors is also presented. As a result an estimation of the overall technical potential for electricity generation based on biofuels in Brazil is presented as well. In addition, the state-of-the-art of different biomass electricity conversing technologies is discussed. A diagram is presented about the organization links and funding of biomass energy research activities in Brazil. Main development and research activities being carried out in this area at the Excellence Group in Thermal Power and Distributed Generation - NEST at the Mechanical Engineering Institute of the Federal University of Itajubá - UNIFEI, located in the city of Itajubá, Brazil are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Global greenhouse gas emissions from energy production were approximately 40% higher in 2017 than in 2000 (International Energy Agency, 2018), and ambient particulate matter – one of the byproducts from fossil fuel combustion of most concern for public health – is now the fifth largest contributor to global disease (Cohen et al., 2017). Achieving the climate targets of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals requires better accounting for climate and health costs in energy planning. This paper quantifies trade-offs between selected energy infrastructure, climate, and health costs when meeting future electricity demand by increasing the share of renewable energy, with a focus on variable renewable energy (VRE; here: wind and solar photovoltaic power). Using a spatially and temporally resolved approach, we analyzed three scenarios for year 2030 for Northeast Brazil, characterized by 30%, 45%, and 70% of VRE (the latter corresponds to 100% renewable energy). We find that accounting for the health impacts from electricity generation is sufficient to economically justify deep decarbonization of Northeast Brazil's power sector. Full decarbonization is economically justified when the carbon price exceeds $20/tonne CO 2 , which is less than Brazil's country-level social cost of carbon and only 4.8% of the global social cost of carbon. Our study shows that regional climate and health costs from electricity generation alone can be greater than the additional infrastructure costs of decarbonization. Our results highlight how systematically accounting for health and climate costs in energy planning would economically justify the decarbonization of energy systems. • We quantify trade-offs between selected infrastructure, climate, and health costs. • We simulate scenarios with up to 100% renewable energy in Northeast Brazil. • We model the power system, particulate matter dispersion, and health impacts. • Country-level social costs of carbon and health costs justify deep decarbonization. • Health and climate costs should be systematically incorporated in energy planning. Theme: Techno-socio-economic and sustainability aspects of renewable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]