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Forced reductions in production affect the profitability of wind farms and jeopardize investments in the renewable energy sector
A wind industry The Brazilian wind energy industry is going through its worst crisis since it began operating in the country, more than two decades ago. The assessment was made by Elbia Gannoum, president of the Brazilian Wind Energy Association (ABEEólica), this Tuesday, during an event promoted by the entity.
According to Gannoum, one of the main factors of the crisis is the cut in renewable generation determined by the National Electric System Operator (ONS). These cuts, known as curtailment, prevent the plants from functioning fully, causing financial losses and a decline in the sector.
"We are working 24/7 on this issue (of the cuts). We had good conversations with the Minister (of Mines and Energy) and we should bring some progress soon.”, said the president of the association.
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She said that talks have already taken place with the Minister of Mines and Energy and that solutions may emerge soon. Still, she stressed that the problem requires immediate attention and also a look to the future.
Gannoum was emphatic in stating that, while the cuts persist, investors should avoid new investments in wind projects in the country.No one will invest while 'curtailment' (technical jargon for cuts) is ahead"He said.
The ONS applies cuts in real time for several reasons. These include limitations in the transmission network, ensuring system reliability and insufficient consumption for the energy generated at the time.
The slowdown is already visible. In 2023, the installation of new wind farms lost pace. The scenario reflects the difficulties faced by the sector and the situation of oversupply of electricity in the country.
Furthermore, Gannoum pointed out obstacles to connecting new projects to the grid and a crisis in the supply chain. The lack of new orders jeopardizes the sustainability of the wind sector. The expectation is that new measures will help reverse this critical scenario.
With information from Valor Econômico.
