THE MAIN DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THE NATIONAL ENERGY OPERATOR (ONS) WITH THE EMERGENCE OF NEW ENERGY SOURCES IN BRAZIL

Abstract

New energy sources have been an area of intense research and development, seeking alternatives to fossil fuels and reducing dependence on fossil resources. One of the main issues caused by new energy sources in Brazil is the efficient integration of these sources into the national electricity grid. This is primarily due to the country’s historical reliance on hydropower and the technical and operational challenges associated with the intermittency of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.The intermittency of these energy sources means that electricity generation is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which can lead to fluctuations in energy supply. This can pose a challenge to the stability of the electrical system, especially in a country as large as Brazil, where energy demands vary widely across different regions and times of day. However, energy contracts are typically made, and the contractor is required to fulfill the contract. To overcome this problem, significant investments in research and development of energy storage technologies, as well as in the modernization and expansion of electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, are needed. Additionally, policies and regulations that encourage the efficient integration of renewable energy into Brazil's energy matrix are essential to ensure a successful and sustainable energy transition. This article provides a literature review that highlights the role of the main agencies responsible for Brazil's energy matrix and the current and future challenges they may face with the ongoing shift in the energy matrix.