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Offshore Electric Power: Project With Coal Incentive in Brazil Could Cost R$ 595 Billion and Increase Electricity Bills by 11%

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published on 13/12/2024 at 01:43
Energia elétrica offshore: Projeto com incentivo ao CARVÃO no Brasil pode custar R$ 595 bilhões e aumentar conta de luz em 11%
Governo declarou que irá vetar os trechos do projeto que incluem incentivo ao carvão, alinhando-se à transição energética. O Senado, no entanto, aprovou o Marco Regulatório para Energia Offshore, que regulamenta a exploração de energia renovável no mar, mas incluiu dispositivos para beneficiar termelétricas a carvão e gás natural.
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Approved by the Senate, the bill that promises to regulate offshore energy includes incentives for coal, one of the most polluting fuels, and could generate a tax waiver of up to R$ 1 trillion, directly impacting consumers and the energy transition in Brazil.

Brazil has taken an important step in regulating offshore electricity, but not without generating controversy. The Regulatory Framework for Offshore Energy Exploration, recently approved by the Senate, brings measures to expand renewable energy generation. However, the inclusion of incentives for coal, one of the most polluting fossil fuels, has caused discomfort among experts and parliamentarians.

With an estimated cost of R$ 595 billion in tax waivers by 2050, this decision calls into question Brazil’s commitment to the energy transition. After all, are we looking to the future or insisting on outdated practices?

The Regulatory Framework for Offshore Energy

Offshore electricity refers to energy generation from sources such as wind and solar offshore. This technology is promising for countries with vast coastlines, like Brazil, which has one of the largest renewable energy matrices in the world.

The Regulatory Framework aims to organize the exploration of these sources in Brazil. It establishes rules for the use of maritime areas, foresees incentives for the national industry, and prohibits operations in areas of environmental, cultural, or strategic value. On paper, it seems like progress. But the changes in the text have generated an ethical and financial dilemma.

Coal Incentive: A Step Back in the Energy Transition

The tax waiver is not a direct investment, but represents the loss of revenue for the government by granting tax benefits to companies operating in the coal and natural gas sector. In other words, the government gives up collecting these amounts in taxes to favor these activities.

In practice, this means that the money that could be used in other areas, such as health, education, or infrastructure, will be indirectly allocated to sustain the operation of thermoelectric plants, making the final cost higher for public coffers and possibly for consumers.
The tax waiver is not a direct investment, but represents the loss of revenue for the government by granting tax benefits to companies operating in the coal and natural gas sector. In other words, the government gives up collecting these amounts in taxes to favor these activities.
In practice, this means that the money that could be used in other areas, such as health, education, or infrastructure, will be indirectly allocated to sustain the operation of thermoelectric plants, making the final cost higher for public coffers and possibly for consumers.

The inclusion of coal in the project was due to political pressure. Proponents argue that the Brazilian energy matrix still needs this resource. However, critics state that this inclusion is misaligned with the objectives of energy transition and the central theme of the project.

The incentives for coal could cost R$ 595 billion in tax waivers by 2050. The Union for Energy estimates an increase of 11% in the electricity bill for Brazilians. Environmentally, coal-fired thermoelectric plants significantly contribute to CO₂ emissions, hindering efforts to mitigate climate change.

Contradictions and Criticisms of the Project

Parliamentarians are divided. While some defend the measure as essential for energy security, others, such as Senator Randolfe Rodrigues, highlight the contradiction of including incentives for coal in a project aimed at renewable energy.

The “jabutis”, provisions unrelated to the main theme, create obstacles. The inclusion of coal represents a diversion from the renewable focus and could delay Brazil’s consolidation as a leader in clean energy.

The Future of Offshore Energy in Brazil

Offshore wind energy is one of the most promising in Brazil, with the potential to supply millions of households. The same goes for solar, which could complement the energy matrix in a clean and efficient manner.

Although the project brings advancements, its execution will depend on political will, private investments, and overcoming technical challenges such as infrastructure and logistics.

The Regulatory Framework for Offshore Energy is an important milestone, but the inclusion of incentives for coal raises doubts about Brazil’s direction in the energy transition. It is essential that the country invests in renewable sources and avoids setbacks that harm the environment and the economy.

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Paulo Gomes
Paulo Gomes
14/12/2024 07:19

É importante identificar os indivíduos (parlamentares mal intencionados, no caso) responsáveis por esse retrocesso.

Rafaela Fabris

Fala sobre inovação, energia renováveis, petróleo e gás. Com mais de 1.200 artigos publicados no CPG, atualiza diariamente sobre oportunidades no mercado de trabalho brasileiro. Sugestão de pauta: rafafabris11@gmail.com

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