Commission discusses financial compensation for wind and solar plants

The Mining and Energy Committee of the Chamber of Deputies held a debate last Tuesday (2) on the collection of financial compensation from wind and solar power plants. The topic, provided for in Bill 3864/23, authored by Congressman Bacelar (PV-BA), proposes that these plants pay 7% of the value of the energy they produce to the states, the Federal District, municipalities and direct government agencies of the Union.

The debate was requested by Congresswoman Silvia Waiãpi (PL–AP) and took place in plenary session 12 of the Chamber of Deputies. The congresswoman emphasized the importance of the event. “This discussion is precisely to record and show society how this Mining and Energy Commission has acted in a technical manner to make the decisions that will be necessary for the smooth running of our main mining activities in the country.”

Among the guests was Roberto Wagner Pereira, Energy Manager at the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), who expressed his concern about the proposal. “Approximately 44% of the cost of energy is in taxes and subsidies. According to a very preliminary calculation that we made, this subsidy that the Bill is dealing with would increase this cost by approximately R$1.5 billion. And this impact would be around 1% more on the final cost of energy,” he pointed out.

Current legislation in the electricity sector provides for financial compensation only for hydroelectric plants, which pay compensation for the exploitation of water resources. Bacelar’s proposal aims to extend this charge to wind and solar plants.

Carlos Dornellas, technical and regulatory director of the Brazilian Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR), argued the proposal. “Any additional charge will have an impact and could undoubtedly compromise the final investment line. They are already being rushed by the board of directors, bothered by the high tax burdens, and any additional charge will undoubtedly affect the economic and financial balance, potentially driving away investments, including international ones,” Carlos highlighted.

The project now awaits a vote in the Mining and Energy Committee, which will be the first to analyze it. If approved, it will be sent to other committees before being voted on in the plenary.