Aneel authorizes implementation of PCH and wind farms in RS

Two renewable energy projects in Rio Grande do Sul had their installations authorized this Tuesday (24th) by the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel). Together, the wind farm by ECB – Pedras Altas Energia Eólica, to be developed in the municipality of Pinheiro Machado, and the Small Hydroelectric Plant (PCH) Vale do Leite, by the Certel cooperative, which will be built on the Forqueta river, between Pouso Novo and Coqueiro Low, will represent an investment of around R$ 760 million.

In the case of the initiative in Pinheiro Machado, there are four wind farms (Candiotinha, Invernada da Pedra Grande, São João Batista and Serra do Veleda) that make up the complex that adds up to 117.6 MW of installed capacity (which corresponds to about 3% of the average energy demand in Rio Grande do Sul). In total, 26 wind turbines will be installed with the initiative.

ECB – Pedras Altas Energia Eólica partner Ricardo Pigatto points out that currently, with the completion of a series of transmission line works in the State, which were initially the responsibility of Eletrosul, but which the company was unable to carry out and which had to be re-bid, is that the parks will be able to dispose of their generation and get off the ground. He adds that the undertakings already have prior environmental licensing and are advancing towards obtaining the installation license.

Pigatto adds that the perspective is that the beginning of the construction of the structures will take place later this year and with the operation starting within 48 months. Investment in the entire complex is estimated at around R$700 million. The commercialization of generation from these plants should take place in the free market environment (formed by large consumers who can choose who they will buy energy from). Regarding the choice of Pinheiro Machado to build the wind farms, the partner at ECB – Pedras Altas Energia Eólica highlights the energy vocation of that region. “It’s the best area in Rio Grande do Sul in terms of wind”, says Pigatto.

Certel’s PCH Vale do Leite will have an installed capacity of 6.4 MW. The president of the cooperative, Erineo José Hennemann, comments that the investment in the plant is currently estimated at between R$ 60 million and R$ 65 million. He emphasizes that now, with the grant won, the cooperative seeks to obtain the environmental license for the installation of the structure. “When Aneel releases (the grant), everything is well underway and it is a matter of a short time for the installation license to be issued”, argues the director.

According to him, equipment such as generators, turbines, control panels have already been purchased and if everything goes according to plan, the plant’s civil works should start in this first semester. Completion time for the works is estimated at 18 to 20 months. Certel intends to place the PCH to compete in auctions later this year to sell its energy in the national interconnected electrical system.

For both the PCH and the wind farms, Aneel decided to establish a 50% reduction to be applied in Tariffs for the Use of Electric Transmission and Distribution Systems (TUST and TUSD), which are charges for the electricity sector. The president of the Renewable Energy Industry Union of Rio Grande do Sul (Sindienergia-RS), Guilherme Sari, emphasizes that the discount is a factor that reinforces the perspective that these undertakings will be successful. “This favors the competitiveness of the projects, it is a differential”, emphasizes the manager.

Sari reinforces that it is important for the State to present projects that mean an increase in the installed capacity for energy generation and local investments. According to Aneel projections, only two plants in Rio Grande do Sul, the PCHs Cachoeira Cinco Veados and Chimarrão, which add up to 12.44 MW of power, should enter into commercial operation in 2023. The member of Sindienergia-RS points out that Rio Grande do Sul It has an enormous energy potential with several energy sources, including wind and water.