Energy Efficiency and Distributed Energy Resources

EPE is responsible for studies and information to support public policies and programs in energy development that take into account environmentally sustainable development, including energy efficiency (the rational use and conservation of energy). Therefore, it is essential to diagnose the current situation of energy efficiency and its potential. Identification of the right actions is an important step to effectively take advantage of these energy efficiency potentials

This knowledge, together with an adequate policy and monitoring of energy efficiency progress, compose the overall approach adopted by EPE to foster the efficient use of energy in Brazil.

The EPE is also aware of the changes regarding the role of the consumer in the energy sector. The decreasing cost of DG technologies, storage, electric vehicles, and the dissemination of communication technologies have enabled the consumer as an active actor in the energy industry. In this context, the EPE studies seek to anticipate these changes and propose actions, based on cost-benefit analysis, that allow the efficient use of DER.

Energy Efficiency Indicators

EPE has built a database of energy efficiency (EE) indicators for Brazil based on the best international practices.

The structuring of the EE indicators database is considered a central action for the collection, elaboration and maintenance of the data on energy efficiency in the country. EPE is responsible for the database maintenance, and also for monitoring the results in energy efficiency programs, with open access for all interested parties. The definition of reduced energy consumption targets associated with the reduction of GHG emissions is a priority in the development of energy efficiency programs. This goal must be measurable or verifiable and, above all, attainable.

Energy Efficiency Studies

One of EPE main lines of action is to identify ways to encourage the increase of energy efficiency in Brazil, aiming the technical support for the formulation of programs and public policies for energy efficiency, besides monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of existing energy efficiency policies and programs.

EPE has been doing studies to identify relevant aspects, such as the functioning of the EE mechanisms, assessing the eligibility or target public, financing and assessment of the policy effectiveness, so that it can create a portfolio of actions and effective sectoral policies, such as:

  • Cost and Energy Conservation Potential Curves;

  • Energy Efficiency and Distributed Generation: Evolution Perspectives;

  • Mapping the Technical Potential of the DG;

  • Assessment of Reference Value (VRES) for DG;

  • Impact Assessment of Distributed Generation;

  • Monitoring the electric vehicles industry;