Expansion Planning

​EPE carries out studies to support the expansion of the generation of the National Grid System (SIN) and the Off-grid Systems. Practically the entire electric power system is interconnected, with less than 1% of the country's total consumption is in Off-grid Systems.

Generation in the SIN

With the greater participation of non-controllable generation sources (e.g. wind and solar) and the reduction of the ratio of storage capacity to total load, new paradigms for the planning and operation of the system are expected. This new configuration requires actions that up to now were not necessary, such as specific system expansion to meet peak demand. In addition to these changes, other changes are expected in the future, such as greater consumer participation in the energy market, possibly acting as a generator.

In this context, generation planning studies are fundamental for anticipating actions, allowing the system to absorb and adapt to new technologies, maintaining a safe, economical and socio-environmentally sustainable service.

The main objectives of the studies to plan the expansion of electric energy supply are:

  • Indication of the optimal composition of the future generation system that meets the growth of demand for electric energy, respecting socio-environmental aspects and supply criteria, at the lowest global cost;

  • Evaluation of future service conditions, indicating actions to be taken for methodological, operational and regulatory advances;

  • Pointing out, when necessary, actions that allow maintenance of structural equilibrium.

Any other topics associated with expansion planning are also studied by EPE, such as: System Expansion Marginal Cost (CME), Unserved Energy Cost (custo do deficit), Risk Aversion Mechanisms, Reliability Criteria.

Off-grid Systems

The Off-grid Systems are mainly located in the north part of the country, the interior of Mato Grosso and the island of Fernando de Noronha, totaling about 250 locations in 2016. Among the state capitals, Boa Vista (RR) is the only one that is still part of the Off-grid System.

Its energy demand is mainly met by diesel plants, being EPE, with MME and ONS, responsible for the planning of its expansion.

Annually, the electric energy distribution agents located in the Off-grid systems submit the planning of the servicing of the Off-grid systems markets for approval of MME with the support of EPE. EPE receives the load forecast for the next ten years from the distributors operating in these systems and after consolidating this information, the energy balance and demand by location are analyzed. Negative energy balance verification, when there is an imbalance between supply and consumption, without any transmission expansion, is indicative of the need to carry out the Off-grid auctions.

The auction is carried out by ANEEL, in accordance with the guidelines established by the MME.  EPE is responsible for the technical qualification of the power projects agents are interested to bid.