Renewable distributed generation evolution in the Brazil and Italy between 2000-2021

Abstract

The traditional power systems structure is based in the large power plants are located in areas typically is far from the consumer centres. In the last two decades a new paradigm, based on renewable distributed generation (RDG). Adopting RDG, consumers become prosumers and are able to increase autonomy and energy savings. However, its implementation is potentially disrupting to electric sector, generating divergence of interests among regulators, users and distribution companies. This work discusses the growth of the RDG model in the energy system transition processes to decarbonisation via electrification, digitalization, decentralization and democratization by analysing the development of RDG in Brazil and Italy in a comparative perspective of evolution. The methodology is qualitative, descriptive and exploratory. The findings indicate that RDG gained traction in Brazil with some specific regulations of the Brazilian National Agency, from 2012 on, where RDG share has been expanding significantly using the net metering model. In Italy, RDG assisted an impressive growth from 2009 to 2012, based on the feed in tariff, but as stagnated in the last decade. Both countries enacted recently a new legal framework to pave a RDG expansion cycle to tackle climate targets. The RDG can be significantly enhanced in both countries as long as there are adequate regulations, and it is an opportunity to develop decarbonisation, electrification, digitalization, decentralization and democratization of the respective electricity sectors.