Achieving Universal Access to Electricity through Decentralized Renewable Energy Technologies in Minas Gerais, Brazil

• Main Author: Bulut, Mehmet Börühan
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: KTH, Energi och klimatstudier, ECS 2012
• Subjects: rural electrification; luz para todos; light for all; renewable energies
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-91944

Brazil started the Luz Para Todos (Light for all - LPT) program in 2003 aiming at universalization of electricity access in the country. The program uses three technological solutions to reach this goal: grid extension, decentralized power generation with isolated grids and stand-alone systems. This master thesis analyzes the role of decentralized renewable energy technologies in the Luz Para Todos program in the state of Minas Gerais. The factors that lead to the use of such technologies in the specific case of CEMIG (Energy Company of Minas Gerais) are considered. The study showed that regulatory framework and energy policy mechanisms are the most important determinants of the method of attendance in rural electrification. It is concluded that decentralized renewable energy technologies emerge as a strong alternative when it is not technologically and/or financially feasible to extend the grid.