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After years of isolation from the National Interconnected System, Roraima is once again receiving energy from Venezuela, with an initial import of 15 MW and an operational reserve of 30 MW to ensure stability. The supply will be operated by Bolt Energy between January and April 2025.
The state of Roraima has once again received electricity from Venezuela as of this Friday (14), marking a new phase in the region's energy supply. The National Electric System Operator (ONS) announced that commercial imports began at around 7:15 am, bringing a new chapter to the only Brazilian state that is not part of the National Interconnected System (SIN).
Although there is still no official decree from the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) regarding this decision, the operation follows criteria defined by the Electric Sector Monitoring Committee (CMSE). This resumption, however, raises questions about the benefits and risks of this dependence.
The resumption of energy imports
Roraima, which has received energy from Venezuela in the past, now relies again on imported electricity from the neighboring country. The operation was authorized after 96-hour tests carried out between January and February, ensuring technical feasibility. Initially, imports will be limited to 15 megawatts (MW), with a rotating operational reserve of 30 MW to maintain supply stability.
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The company Bolt Energy will be responsible for imports during the period from January to April 2025. Meanwhile, local thermoelectric plants continue to operate with natural gas, biomass and diesel oil, complementing the energy supply.
Why does Roraima depend on energy from Venezuela?
Unlike other Brazilian states, Roraima is not part of the National Interconnected System (SIN), which means that its energy matrix needs to be managed independently. This exclusion occurs mainly due to the lack of transmission infrastructure that connects the state to the rest of Brazil.
Historically, Venezuelan energy has been the main source of electricity for Roraima, coming from the Guri Hydroelectric Plant. However, economic and political problems in Venezuela interrupted this supply, forcing the state to depend mainly on thermoelectric plants. Now, with the resumption of external supply, Roraima hopes to reduce costs and ensure greater energy stability.
Impacts and challenges of the new import
The resumption of supply can bring immediate benefits, such as reducing electricity generation costs, since thermal power plants use expensive and polluting fuels. In addition, the increase in energy supply can improve the quality of service for consumers and boost the state's economic development.
However, there are challenges to be considered. Dependence on a country facing economic and political instability can pose risks in the long term. Any problem at the Guri Plant or any decision by the Venezuelan government could directly impact supply. Thus, the need for a more stable energy solution for Roraima remains on the agenda.
What will the supply be like throughout 2025?
The supply will be operated by Bolt Energy, which will follow the schedule established by the CMSE. The initial phase foresees the import between January and April 2025, allowing the system to adjust to the new electricity supply.
Before the official resumption, 96-hour tests were carried out at the beginning of the year, ensuring that the integration was done securely and without compromising stability from the power grid. If the supply is efficient, the model can be extended or adjusted as necessary.
This energy Bolt must be from the machine gun brothers
Let's support the mature, so many good areas to build hydroelectric plants here in Roraima.
The blackouts will return then, our energy was stable with the local supply plants, now the electrical instability coming from the Venezuelan narco state will return, this Lula government only does shit.