Companies reduce their electricity bill with their own generation – Economy Solar panels installed at the premises of the Residencial Spazio Parthenonm of the MRV construction company, in Belo Horizonte, guarantee the economy of the residents (photo: MRV / Divulgao)

With the outside of the harsh winds, Honda has also provided demand from the Automotive Research and Development Center, the company's administrative office in the city of São Paulo and the logistics center in Paulnia, SP.In addition to reducing energy costs by almost half, Honda has transformed Brazilian operation in one of the most sustainable in the world, since the activities of the park prevented the emission of 19,000 tonnes of CO2 into the environment

. first elico park in the world and has been a daily apprenticeship, "says Carlos Eigi, president of Honda Energy do Brasil. "In addition to the unquestionable economic gain, we are proud to see our cars produced from 100% clean and renewable energy."

Honda's investment is part of a growing movement in the business strategy of different industries, from industry to commerce, through the service rendered. Among those who opted for alternative energy, for example, Luiza Magazine, Ambev and Vivo.

30% OF THE ECONOMY Oi has adopted a bold policy of self-generation in order to lighten the weight of electricity in their balanos. The company is investing R $ 30 million to create solar farms that can provide electricity to 8,000 consumer units, such as transmission antennas, telecommunication towers or even corporate offices throughout the country. Brazil

. this year, Oi has commissioned two microsites, in Capito Enas and Januba, inside Minas Gerais. The production capacity of each of 5 MWh. The business plan will have, in the next 12 months, 15 factories. In operation, they reduce energy costs by 30%, currently at 750 million reais per year. "When all solar farms work, we can achieve a savings of 550 million reais," says Marco Antonio Vilela, Director of Heritage and Logistics of Oi. "We will evaluate small-scale projects, small hydropower plants, small hydropower plants, and even biogas."

ACCOUNT IN THE HEIGHTS According to calculations of the Brazilian Association of Large Consumers of Industrial Energy and Free Consumers (Abrace) energy for the industry increased by 20 percentage points above inflation in 12 months. In a longer-term perspective, the situation is even more alarming. In the period from 2014 to 2017, the average tariff has accumulated a 31.5% increase in the country.

By the end of 2018, the increase is estimated at 44%. For comparison, the cumulative inflation in the four-year period of 28.86%, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). "Brazil has the second highest energy cost for the industry in the world and the fourth in the residential segment," said Abrace CEO Edvaldo Santana (read more in the interview). on the side). "The exit was trying to generate its own energy."

In this high-energy scenario, the mining company MRV saw an opportunity. The company installs on the roof of its buildings photovoltaic power production plates. In addition to helping cover the demand for electricity from its operation, the technology will ensure an electricity bill saving of about $ 90 per month for each resident.

PLAN Each photovoltaic generation project in a housing project has an average investment of 1.5 million reais, but the total plan provides a budget of 800 million reais in the next four years , with the construction of about 220,000 apartments almost self-sufficient. By the end of this year, 60% of the total projects launched, about 75, will be equipped with solar panels. The goal is that all launches of the company have technology starting in 2019. "This is not a temporary policy, but a major shift in the operating model," says Rafael Menin , co-chair of the MRV. On the financial level, Brazil has a huge potential for self-production for all sizes of businesses and residences. The latest estimate from the Brazilian Association of Solar Photovoltaic Energy (Absolar) shows that since 2012, the private sector has invested in the market for its own energy production.

"Brazil has one of the best energy conditions and the high cost of energy, a combination that drives companies to seek more and more production. solar energy to power their facilities, "says Victor Kodja, president of the Balco de Energiazação de Energia (BBCE)

National Electric Power Agency (Aneel) Since June 2013, the number of electrical connections has pbaded from 23,000 to 30,900.

"I need a deep reform in the electricity sector"

With hydroelectric power plants that are at the center of the hydroelectric power sector.

Interview with Evaldo Santana – president Abrace

less than four years can not meet the demand for energy, the alternative in recent years has been to complete the l & # 39; Supply with thermocouples.This decision reflects the increase in the cost of production, which has been pbaded on to consumers. Edvaldo Santana, president of the Brazilian Association of Large Consumers of Industrial Energy and Free Consumers (Abrace), explains that such problems have led industries to neighboring countries, such as Paraguay, and chasing investment . According to him, the country must be driven by an "aggressive position to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency".

Why does Brazil have one of the most expensive energy tariffs in the world?
The electricity sector in Brazil has a serious structural problem. Our main energy matrix, hydropower, has not responded to demand since 2014. This entails the connection of thermoelectric power plants that have a high operating cost.

And solar and elica generation alternatives?
Both are only options, but only generate 50% of the time. There is neither wind nor light all day. We need more hydropower with large reservoirs, but it has become increasingly difficult in Brazil.

This scenario has driven investment? This is not frightening because it is about closing businesses and pushing important productive sectors to neighboring countries, like Paraguay. The aluminum manufacturer Alcoa, for example, has closed a plant in Poos de Caldas, in southern Minas Gerais, and another in Maranho. More than 5,000 people lost their jobs

But is the electricity sector highly regulated?
Yes. But, oddly enough, regulated energy is more expensive than free energy. The cost is 25% lower. Is the government aware of this situation?
The government recognizes the problem, but it does not solve the problem
The government recognizes the problem, but it does not respect it. conditions to solve the problem. The solution to this question affects already consolidated interests and apparently the government avoids the clash

What pretend presidential candidates claim?
Up to now, nothing. No pre-candidate gave a speech on the serious problem of the electricity sector. In recent years, Brazil has had the second highest energy cost for industry in the world and the fourth in the residential segment. The exit was looking for ways to generate their own energy

What's the release?
There is no easy solution. Either Brazil takes an aggressive stance of reducing energy costs and improving energy efficiency, either to continue to lose investment, to lose business and to condemn economic growth to low levels.