The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has announced the implementation of an auction in June 2025 to contract energy aimed at ensuring the stability of the national electrical system during periods of highest consumption. This measure seeks to address challenges arising from the increasing share of intermittent renewable sources, such as solar and wind, which, while sustainable, experience generation fluctuations throughout the day.
The auction will allow the participation of thermal power plants powered by natural gas, biofuels, and hydroelectric plants, including existing facilities and new projects. This decision broadens the scope of participation, recognizing the importance of energy sources that can be activated on demand, providing greater flexibility and security to the electrical system.
This initiative responds to the need to balance energy supply during peak hours, especially in the early evening when consumption significantly increases due to the resumption of domestic activities and the activation of public lighting. With the expansion of renewable sources, which depend on weather conditions, it is essential to complement the energy matrix with dispatchable sources capable of meeting demand immediately.
The MME emphasized that the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) will be responsible for preparing the auction’s terms, establishing criteria and deadlines for contracting. It is expected that contracts will have durations ranging from 10 to 15 years, with the supply set to begin in 2025, depending on the nature and capacity of the contracted plants.
Experts in the energy sector see this measure as a positive step towards ensuring system reliability, though they underscore the importance of continued investment in energy storage technologies, such as batteries, and in solutions that enhance energy efficiency. These complementary initiatives are essential for a sustainable and resilient energy transition.
The federal government reaffirms its commitment to the country’s energy security, aiming to balance the expansion of renewable energy with the need to ensure a stable and continuous electricity supply for all Brazilians.
