The Role of The State in Diversifying and Expanding the Brazilian Energy Matrix: an Analysis of Legislation

Abstract

Despite having an essentially renewable electricity matrix, the dependence on hydropower, in the current climate risk scenario and the associated environmental and social impacts, point to the need to diversify energy generation in Brazil. To this end, state action is fundamental for designing and implementing public policies for the country's energy matrix. However, this diversification does not occur at the desired speed and scale. Thus, this article analyses the Brazilian regulatory environmental policies to assess the participation of the Federal constituencies, States, and municipalities in scaling renewable sources in the national electricity matrix. The research revealed that specific legislation on energy is scarce, and much of what is applied is taken from the general environmental legislation. We noticed that, by constitutional imposition, the Federal constituencies have the legislative competence on the theme and, therefore, establish norms and general rules, while States and municipalities act marginally, especially in fiscal matters and environmental licensing. The need for more objectivity, standardization, and the non-existence of specific technical criteria in the norms about energy use. We also verified that most of what was legally established constitutes government programs, not state policies. It is necessary to extend the participation of states and Municipalities in elaborating national energy use plans and in the revision and technical standardization of the licensing norms. These gaps must be filled so sustainable development, a principle established in the Constitution, is strengthened and made possible, with the participation of States and Municipalities.