Financial risk analysis in decentralized commercialization of electricity

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: PS – POWER SYSTEMS PLANNING

SUBTOPIC: PS04 – Marketing forecasting methods for different time levels and hiring strategies

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE​
PD-00387-0720/2020

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental Development

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 3,829,460.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
48 months

​​​➜ START
8/10/2020

​​​➜ COMPLETION
8/9/2024

​​​➜ AREA
Market Intelligence

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Jefferson Amadeu

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Navarra Technologies Soluções em Tecnologia
MRTS - Consultoria e Engenharia Ltda; Foundation for the Technological Development of Engineering (FDTE)/ University of São Paulo (USP)
Chamber of Generation and Sale of Electric Power (CCEE)

Credit risk diffusion and investigation of mitigating measures in the decentralized commercialization of electricity in the Brazilian market

The counterparties are solely responsible for the perception of risk in the Brazilian electricity market, unlike the structured derivative markets, with central counterparties, such as stock exchanges. The bilateral relationship between the agents is not known in detail by the market operator (CCEE) and the current interactions between the parties do not affect the need to provide guarantees in the electricity market.

In February 2019, a small energy trading company faced the situation of changing market price, which prevented it from honoring its positions with its counterparts. Such event should lead to a loss of more than BRL 200 million for the electricity market, in addition to indirect impacts such as the significant reduction in liquidity in the market in subsequent months, due to the risk aversion of the partners.

Within this scenario, this project seeks to study the behavior of these agents in a simulated environment, in order to replicate their behavior in the electricity market, allowing to view the impact of different risk mitigation methodologies. Additionally, counterparty risk flags will be developed using common metrics to all agents, in order to allow the preparation of a risk ranking among market partners.

As a differentiating factor, this project partners with the CCEE in a similar role to that of an intervening entity, aiming at knowing and evaluating the study developed, ensuring the relevance of the developments for improving market safety.

Efficiency of aquatic macrophytes

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: AE – ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

SUBTOPIC: AE03 – New material and equipment for alternative energy sources

​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-10381-0219/2019

​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Applied research

​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 4,228,411.00

​​➜ DEADLINE
36 months

​​➜ START
4/10/2019

​​➜ COMPLETION
4/9/2022

​​➜ AREA
Environment

​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Ricardo Barros

​➜ PERFORMANCE
National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI) Innovation Institute for Biomass (SENAI/MS)

EFFICIENCY
of pyrolytic bio-oil from aquatic macrophytes for the biofuel production

The study aims at evaluating two aspects: the oil efficiency from the fast pyrolysis of macrophytes and the treatment of this byproduct to enable its use in traditional diesel engines.

Macrophytes are aquatic plants that play an important role in the ecosystem in which they are inserted. In addition to providing places for breeding, feeding and protection for fish, birds and insects, it helps in the preservation and stabilization of margins and as remedies for ecosystems and can even be used to treat domestic and industrial effluents.

Nevertheless, they become a problem for reservoirs that have a very large supply of nutrients from the pollution of their tributaries. There is an excessive proliferation that affects the electric power generation, public supply, recreation and leisure, and impacting the availability of dissolved oxygen, affecting the entire aquatic ecosystem.

Thinking about controlling the excessive proliferation of macrophytes and managing the waste generated by collecting them at the company's plants, CTG Brasil, in partnership with the National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI) Institute for Biomass Innovation, seeks to use science and biotechnology to reach a smart and sustainable solution. This Research and Development (R&D) project, also known as MacroFuel, aims at evaluating the efficiency of organic waste from the mechanical removal of macrophytes from plants, using pyrolysis and a combustion process by chemical recirculation (CRQ). An alternative strategy and a viable route of great relevance is set, as a clean source and still feasible to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) generated in the bio-oil combustion, mitigating the generation of greenhouse gases.

Efficiency

Pyrolysis is a decomposition reaction that occurs in high-temperature environments and little or no oxygen.  Three byproducts are formed in this process, namely: coal, oil and pyrolytic gas which, depending on the operating conditions, may favor the production of one of these byproducts.

Thus, the result of this project will provide appropriate information for the development and construction of a pilot unit to produce biofuel, with the possibility of generating thermal energy from aquatic macrophytes.

Bio-oil obtained from fast biomass pyrolysis can also be used as a fuel in boilers and engines, and it is also a potential raw material for the chemical industry. However, the product has a complex chemical composition and, due to this complexity, the main purpose of the project is the final product stabilization for economic purposes. Bio-oil properties intrinsically depend on the raw material, pyrolysis conditions and product collection methods.

In addition to the fast pyrolysis technology, high pressure and temperature reactors will be used for the catalytic treatments of heavy bio-oil, with the insertion of hydrogen gas. The biofuel produced will be tested on diesel engines to assess the quality and its possible use as a substitute for traditional fossil fuels.

Conservation and Recovery of Fish Stocking of Paranapaema River - Phase 2

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EN – ENVIRONMENT

SUBTOPIC: EN01 – Social and environmental impacts and restrictions of electric power systems

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-00387-0617/2017

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental development

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 1,820,072.59

​​​➜ DEADLINE
48 months

​​​➜ START
11/1/2017

​​​➜ COMPLETION
10/31/2021

​​​➜ AREA
Environment

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Norberto Castro Vianna

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
State University of Londrina (UEL)

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM FOR THE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY OF THE FISH STOCKING OF PARANAPANEMA RIVER - PHASE 2

This project started in November 2017 for the Development and Application of an innovative restocking program in order to recover and populate natural populations in accordance with modern principles of conservation biology of species, combining the environmental and physical characteristics of the drainage basin and the reproductive biology of the species present. In addition to control and management in specific areas along the Paranapanema River, triggering a new process of population and conservation of fish for the reservoirs of hydroelectric plants, according to greater efficiency and a better cost benefit. This is the second stage of a project carried out between 2011 and 2016, in which the information survey on the region's ichthyofauna was carried out and serving as a structural basis. This first phase of the study, which was also innovative in Brazil, allowed the analysis from the initial stages of fish development (eggs, larvae and juveniles) and technically showed the difficulty of the populations previously carried out in this basin. In this context, with the completion of Phase I, a new vision could be established, continuing and guiding the planning of new technical and scientific actions required for the conservation of species and actual maintenance of the dynamic balance of this ichthyofauna; and in view of the results that proved the inefficiency of population in this area of the Paranapanema River basin, also aiming at the operational and economic optimization of these actions for the entire hydroelectric production sector. Now, in phase 2, efforts are being made to optimize the conservation and recovery programs of the fish stocking, ensuring the success of restocking native species in the hydrographic basin and reducing financial resources. The study is already in its second year of execution and the results are being observed from the release of a smaller number of key species in one of the reservoirs of the plants operated by CTG Brasil on the Paranapanema River and the conventional release in another reservoir, which, although preliminary, indicate that the model can be effective.

The actions in this implemented project, mainly focusing on conservation and maintenance of fish stocking and biodiversity in the Paranapanema River basin, even if partially, allow us to observe the effectiveness of the used tools. As expected, and even with the problems faced with the pandemic, the study may have an environmental, ecological, economic and social impact in the area of influence of the test reservoir. Thus, enabling a replication in other areas and basins, considering the necessary adjustments. We believe that, with the results obtained, the reestablishment of fishing activity could be possible within the sustainable molds of good practices and with consequences in the improvement of fish biodiversity, mitigating negative social and environmental factors in the affected areas.

Golden mussel control by genetic induction of infertility - Phase 2

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EN – ENVIRONMENT

SUBTOPIC: EN 0X – OTHER (Biotechnology - its use in population control by inducing infertility)

​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-07514-0118/2018

​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental development

​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 1,405,000.00

​➜ CTG COST
BRL 905,000.00

​➜ National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI) COST
BRL 500,000.00

​➜ DEADLINE
30 months

​➜ START
7/1/2018

​➜ COMPLETION
12/30/2020

​➜ AREA
Environment

​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Ricardo Faustino Barros

​➜ PERFORMANCE
Bio Bureau Desenvolvimentos de Base Biológica e Licenciamentos Ltda.

GOLDEN MUSSELS INFESTATION CONTROL
by genetic induction of infertility - Phase 2

The prototype, already developed in the previous phase of the Development Program, is now used to validate the genetic control technology of the golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) infestation in reservoirs of Brazilian hydroelectric plants.

This second phase of the project, within the Development Program, was encouraged by the success of the previous stage, in which it was able to simulate the effects of gene elimination on cell physiology and organism development. And also identify and select which genes are responsible for inducing sterility.

The study plans to develop a genetically modified golden mussel that, when reproducing with wild individuals, will rapidly transmit genes that confer infertility, causing the population to collapse in a few generations. The work uses Crispr-Cas9 technology (acronym that means Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), one of the main biotechnological tools for genomic editing.

The project also provides for bioinformatics studies capable of producing a higher quality reference genome for further study, giving assertiveness and reliability in the results. The genetic diversity of populations will also be evaluated in different Brazilian regions in order to validate the technology applicability in different reservoirs and water bodies.

The work is original, as it is based on scientific research not yet publicly disclosed; innovative, for breaking with the paradigm of combating invasive species with chemical substances; and revolutionary in proposing the resolution of a problem for which traditional approaches have failed in the past 20 years. Based on the thorough knowledge of the golden mussel genome, molecular targets will be identified for the development of biotechnological control tools. There are only 16 biotechnological pest control projects nowadays using synthetic biology, and this scientific challenge will highlight Brazil worldwide.

Benefits

Invasive species, of Asian origin, the golden mussel spread through Brazilian reservoirs, encrusting in hydroelectric plants, affecting parts exposed to aquatic environments.  The impacts are the unavailability of hydroelectric and water distribution plants, as well as consequences for the environment.

The developed technique will represent a solution for this infestation and can be applied in plants and reservoirs throughout the Brazilian electricity sector, and solve the environmental problems of the affected biomes – Pampa, Atlantic Forest, Pantanal, Cerrado and Caatinga, in addition to preventing Amazon infestation.

By promoting an increase in the quality of life of citizens living around infested rivers and reservoirs, which depend on these water bodies for their living and subsistence – through fishing, water harvesting, navigation and tourism – the project will also benefit the the whole society.

Golden mussel control by genetic induction of infertility - Phase 3

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EN – ENVIRONMENT

SUBTOPIC: EN0X – OTHER (Biotechnology - its use in population control by inducing infertility)

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-10381-0419/2019

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental development

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 9,770,134.00

​​​➜ CTG COST
BRL 5,280,000.00

​​➜ DEADLINE
36 months

​​​➜ START
10/1/2019

​​​➜ COMPLETION
9/30/2022

​​​➜ AREA
Environment

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Ricardo Faustino Barros

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Bio Bureau Desenvolvimento de Base Biológica e Licenciamentos Ltda. and Hubz - Dux Participações e Negócios Ltda.

GOLDEN MUSSELS INFESTATION CONTROL
by genetic induction of infertility - Phase 3

Continuing a major R&D challenge initiated by CTG Brasil in 2017, in 2019 we started a new phase of the project. The main purpose of this project is to develop a genetically modified golden mussel that, when reproducing with wild individuals, will rapidly transmit infertility to the next generations, causing the collapse of the species populations in Brazil,

In Phase 3, CTG Brasil is teaming up with other partners in the electricity sector, such as Cemig, Enel, SPIC and Tijoá, and the expected scientific advances are:

• Studying the reproduction and sex determination of the goldenmusselin the lab and implementing the molecular and cellular processes required to produce the genetically modified adult golden mussel prototype, creating the conditions for the study of its survival, transmission of the genetic fertility blocking mechanism and the safety assessment of the process;
• Building a shared gene bank between different species of bivalves and the golden mussel ("pangenome") to generate subsidies through genomics and bioinformatics approaches, test hypotheses and validate premises for the development of genetically modified golden mussels.
• Developing a methodology to measure infestation, which will allow the insertion of the appropriate number of genetically modified individuals, sufficient to cause the collapse of the golden mussel population in the reservoirs of hydroelectric plants.

The ecological modeling is another expected product of this phase. This is because despite the problems caused by this invasive species, golden mussel ecology is poorly known. The ecological modeling aims at applying models to evaluate parameters, such as sex ratio (ratio of males and females in the population), that influence the mussel population dynamics and can affect the pattern of super-Mendelian inheritance in the species and, consequently, the parameters of the future disinfestation service.

Innovation Challenge for Sustainable Tourism

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: OT - Other

SUBTOPIC: Income generation and local development through sustainable tourism

​​​➜ NATIONAL ELECTRIC ENERGY AGENCY (ANEEL) CODE
PD -10381 - 0719/2019

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Applied research

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 2,162,733.52

​​​➜ DEADLINE
24 months

​​​➜ START
10/9/2019

​​​➜ COMPLETION
10/8/2021

​​​➜ AREA
Brand, Communication & Sustainability

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Salete Viana da Hora

INNOVATION CHALLENGE
for local development through Sustainable Tourism in the areas around hydroelectric plants

This project aims at studying, mapping and systematizing application methodologies and social innovation solutions related to sustainable tourism.  By doing this, CTG Brasil wants to promote local development, social and cultural inclusion, environmental conservation and the socioeconomic strengthening of Brazilian communities, including those living close to our operations.

The innovation project for sustainable tourism aims at:

1. Bringing impacts on the four dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, cultural and environmental – throughout Brazil, including the surroundings of our operations;
2. Identifying innovative solutions that can be reproduced in other contexts;
3. Promoting local development and social transformation, generating income for families and communities, helping them to get out of the situations of vulnerability;
4. Confirming the leading role of the communities;
5. Structuring from the cooperation of several players;

Additionally, the project will contribute to understanding the eco-innovation for sustainable tourism that supports territorial development and generates systemic impact. The purpose is to expand the offer of technologies, methodologies and innovations that meet the needs and challenges of tourism in hydroelectric plants and wind farms in Brazil.

The project will also have a trend map in sustainable tourism and associated technological and social innovation with the application of consolidated methodologies - a study never carried out in Brazil - contributing to expanding the social and environmental benefits of the electricity sector.

COVID-19 Impacts

In the current pandemic scenario experienced by Brazil and the world, tourism is one of the most impacted sectors. Due to social isolation measures, a decrease of 62 billion is expected in the economic activity of tourism, responsible for employing more than 2 million Brazilians, according to data from the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA, 2018).

The initiatives related to the tourism sector are facing a complex and diverse reality, which requires transformation and adaptability in multiple senses. Due to the pandemic impacts, a model review is extremely necessary. Therefore, this project also helps to build other arrangements for the tourism sector.

COVID-19 Test Development

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: SA – Safety

SUBTOPIC: SA 0X – OTHER (COVID-19 Test Development)

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-10381-0220/2020

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Pilot Lot

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 2,115,000.00

​​​➜ CTG COST
R$ 1,150,00.00

​​​➜ National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI) COST
BRL 1,000,000.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
12 months

​​​➜ START
4/13/2020

​​​➜ COMPLETION
4/12/2021

​​​➜ AREA
Occupational Safety and Health

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Marcelo Gerhardt

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Technology Center for the Chemical and Textile Industries of SENAI (CETIQT)
AdvaGen Biotech Ltda
Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fio Cruz)
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) – Cell Culture Engineering Lab and Molecular Virology Lab

Development of Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) and Lateral Flow tests for diagnosing COVID-19

Given the COVID-19 epidemiology and the statement of Public Health Emergency of National Importance (ESPIN), the rapid diagnosis of the disease as a way to control its transmission is vital, resulting in the flattening of the infected curve.

The traditional diagnosis of COVID-19 is made by using the protocol developed by Charité Hospital (Berlin, Germany), based on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR), involving the detection of three different markers: nucleocapsid protein (N), envelope protein (E) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes. Despite its efficiency, this technique involves high cost, long time to obtain results and highly specialized labs. Therefore, we sought faster and unprecedented methods for the diagnosis of the virus, based on the heterologous expression of viral S protein, which can be detected by antibodies (IgG and IgM), produced by infected patients.

Therefore, the project aims to develop two alternative tests: (I) rapid serological test based on lateral flow immunochromatography and (II) serological test based on ELISA) - which have the potential to reduce analysis time (from days to minutes or a few hours) and the expected cost will be about four times cheaper than the conventional test.

Benefits

Due to the nature of the diagnostic kits, it will no longer be necessary to use labs with specialized equipment, facilitating access to all Brazilian regions. These tests will be performed in outpatient clinics or hospitals quickly, reducing the queues and the time to obtain results. Therefore, it will be possible to mitigate the spread of the disease and flatten the curve of infected people over time, reducing the burden on the health system.  In addition to a better overview of the current situation, since not only people in serious condition and health professionals will have access to the test.

With the mitigation of dissemination, it will be possible to take appropriate measures to resume economic activities, without putting the population at risk, especially in states that had to adhere to compulsory social isolation.

Socioeconomic, cultural and environmental development of resettlement of citizens in hydroelectric projects

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: OT – Others

SUBTOPIC: Socioeconomic, cultural and environmental development of resettlements

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-07514-0419/2019

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Applied Research

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 2,860,349.80

​​​➜ DEADLINE
24 months

​​​➜ START
1/2/2020

​​​➜ COMPLETION
1/2/2022

​​​➜ AREA
Sustainability

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Ronan Max Prochnow

PROTOCOL
for the definition and monitoring of actions required for the socioeconomic, cultural and environmental development of resettlement of citizens in hydroelectric projects

The project focuses on the preparation of a protocol based on national and international cases to define and monitor the actions necessary for the socioeconomic, cultural and environmental development of resettlement projects resulting from hydroelectric projects.

A pilot project will be executed using the methodology developed in the region of Garibaldi power plant, in Santa Catarina, aiming at creating the basis for a pioneering performance in the electricity sector to effectively coordinate social and environmental programs with a long-term view. The protocol will be based on robust monitoring, transparency, governance and the participation of resettled communities,

and must establish parameters for the socio-territorial characterization of resettled communities, with the recommendation of socioeconomic and social and environmental indicators for monitoring, analysis and decision making. It also provides the development of an experimental model (pilot project) for the application of the methodology in the municipalities close to the Garibaldi power plant, as well as the wide dissemination to society and the Brazilian electricity sector of the methodology developed and the study's learnings.

The project lacks robust methodologies and tools to guide and facilitate the monitoring of socioeconomic, cultural and environmental restructuring programs for families resettled by the implementation of large enterprises. With an integrated view on the risks, opportunities and effectiveness of the investments employed, it seeks to overcome the limitation in decision-making on practical actions. The development of methodologies to build participatory recommendations and monitor actions thus covers a gap in scientific knowledge and, at the same time, improves the business management processes in the electricity sector.

As main results, the research will seek to define a parameter for:

• The participatory socio-territorial diagnosis of resettled communities;
• The development of a monitoring model with indicators of effectiveness of mitigation actions;
• The protocol for actions aimed at the local development of citizens resettled by hydroelectric projects.

Technical and scientific advances are expected to promote gains for the population, company and the sector. The adoption of collective construction measures and monitoring of local development will result in products that can inspire improvements in regulatory frameworks and standards on the subject of compulsory displacement in the country.

Disinfection using ozonized water as a biocidal agent

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: SA – Safety

SUBTOPIC: SA 0X – OTHER (Development of microbial disinfection technology)

​​​➜ NATIONAL ELECTRIC ENERGY AGENCY (ANEEL) CODE
PD-10381-0420/2020

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
First Unit of the Series

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 1,802,099.23

​​​➜ CTG COST
BRL 1,102,099.23

​​​➜ NATIONAL SERVICE FOR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (SENAI) COST
BRL 700,000.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
12 months

​​​➜ START
8/24/2020

​​​➜ COMPLETION
8/23/2021

​​​➜ AREA
Occupational Safety and Health

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Marcelo Gerhardt

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
SENAI Institute for Innovation in Advanced Health Systems – (SENAI – Manufacturing and Technology Integrated Campus (Campus Integrado de Manufatura e Tecnologia – CIMATEC))

Development of spray disinfection technology using ozonized water as a biocidal agent: definition of technical-experimental parameters

COVID-19 and other infectious agents, such as H1N1, are rapidly transmitted by the dispersion of respiratory droplets (sprays) from one person to another or by direct contact with contaminated surfaces. In order to contain these infectious agents, there have been increasing efforts to search effective procedures in the prevention of environmental contamination and also the use of disinfection tunnels, since they are able to disperse disinfectants efficiently, quickly and in large areas.

Despite their popularity, not much data be found in the literature about the real effectiveness of the tunnels to inactivate or reduce the pathogen burden. Additionally, most sanitizing agents with high biocidal potential are not approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) for direct application on humans (skin and mucous membranes), only on objects and surfaces, a fact that limits their use in factories and in places of agglomeration. Therefore, we seek to develop a protocol (concentration and exposure time) for use and prove the efficiency and safety of these tunnels using ozonized water, considering the following factors: accessibility, low cost and less aggressiveness to human skin when compared to others chemical agents. In addition, it acts as a fungicide, bactericide and virucide, including all members of the family Coronaviridae, to which COVID-19 belongs.

Digital Innovation Lab: IT solutions to support operational, corporate and asset management

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: OT – OTHERS

SUBTOPIC: OT0X - Innovative solutions and technologies applied to power generation processes and systems and business support

​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PDPD-10381-0619/2019

​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Applied Research

​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 3,204,000.00

​​➜ DEADLINE
24 months

​​➜ START
8/1/2019

​​➜ COMPLETION
8/1/2021

​​➜ AREA
Information Technology

​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Flaviano Sousa

​​➜ PERFORMANCE
​ Santa Catarina Technology Association (ACATE)

DEVELOPMENT
of an agile and adaptive methodology for the development and construction of IT solutions to support operational, corporate and generation asset management

The Digital Innovation Lab project aims at introducing open innovation to leverage the digital transformation of CTG Brasil's business and thus also contribute to the development of the company's innovation culture. This initiative should speed up the projects in the IT area adhering to the Research & Development (R&D) Program of the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL).

The entire project will be developed from the application of project management approaches and methodologies in accordance with the innovation concept, such as Lean Startup, Design Thinking, Project Thinking, Project Sprint, Kanban, Scrum, among others. The concepts, principles and values inherent to the mentioned approaches and methodologies will be disseminated among CTG Brasil professionals. The relationship with the innovation ecosystem, through startups, will also enable an important exchange of learning, since these business models natively bring new digital technologies, tools and management paradigms to their practices, which contributes to the creation of new products, experiences and businesses.

The methodology to be developed for this project will also represent a new way for the company to relate to innovation ecosystems, which could serve as an example and be applied throughout the Brazilian electricity sector, in the transmission, generation and distribution segments, and also by small companies in universities, entrepreneurs and startups, benefiting the whole society.

Mapping and solving problems

At first, the challenges, using ideation techniques, will be assessed from areas supported by the IT team. Once these main challenges are identified, the work sequence will be prioritized and the strategy for finding solutions will be defined.

The Project Sprint methodology, created and patented by Prof. Eduardo Freire, is used for this step. The methodology uses the Project Thinking approach, which is based on project management focusing on people.

The Project Thinking approach is based on key elements and concepts, such as: co-creation, collective intelligence, productive trust, empathy, feedback, adjustment, transparency, psychological security, cooperation, simplicity, creative freedom, respect, feelings, understanding and observation.

The Project Thinking methodology is applied through immersion guided by a facilitator.  From a defined challenge, commonly previously selected and of a complex nature, where co-creation, collective participation at different levels of the organization, and multidisciplinary teams are essential elements to seek to better understand the problem, its possible causes and, mainly, to propose ideas and innovative solutions.

During the immersion, the facilitator leads the group applying different techniques related to the problem validation, the mapping of the main stakeholders involved and their perspectives on the problem and its impacts, field interviews, problems review and validation with the affected people (empathy), and solution materialization are presented for the challenge proposed in the final stages by the teams trained in the immersion.

After prioritizing the ideas that were born in Project Sprint, the challenge is launched in the ACATE ecosystem, which will receive companies interested in presenting their solutions to the challenge published by CTG Brasil. The proposals will be approved from a quick presentation of each company/startup to the Innovation Committee of CTG Brasil.

The Digital Innovation Lab will be installed in São Paulo (State of São Paulo), the company's headquarters, as an IT pilot project for experimental validation of the challenges.

The process follows the open innovation concept and innovation networks, resulting in solutions applicable to the entire sector, with the generation of income and knowledge for partner companies connected to the innovation network and the development of new technologies.

Disclosure on the operation of reservoirs through social media - Phase 2

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: OT – OTHERS

SUBTOPIC: Operation of Dams, Action Plans and Relationship with Communities - Disclosure of Information and Recycling

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-10381-0519/2019

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental development

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 4,059,138.98

​​➜ DEADLINE
18 months

​​​➜ START
8/26/2019

​​​➜ COMPLETION
2/25/2021

​​​➜ AREAS
Operation, Civil Engineering and Dam Safety

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Fernando Antonio Sestari Filho

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Geoprocessamento e Cartografia Ltda.

INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
on the operation of reservoirs through social media - Phase 2

This project aims at structuring tools and processes that expand and guarantee the dissemination and communication of systems, plans and actions related to the operation of hydroelectric plants that require interaction with stakeholders, both external and internal. With a wider dissemination, it will be possible to add value to CTG Brasil's activities and establish a more effective contact with these audiences, providing more than just communication, but also an active, agile and updated connection, meeting the needs of this audience and the company.

To achieve this goal, the study must develop a tool that uses the social media technology and format to carry out this dissemination. Thus ensuring not only communication, but also the understanding of important issues related to the operation and safety of CTG Brasil's hydroelectric plants to the communities living in the surroundings. The purpose is, in addition to communicating and disseminating, to create a connection to make the community aware of the importance of its role and enable it for actions that require its participation.

The Emergency Action Plan (PAE), which is part of the National Dam Safety Policy, establishes, for each type of emergency, actions to control the situations resulting from it. And the Emergency Situation Operation System (SOSEm) focuses on flood control in the reservoirs of the plants. These are some examples of initiatives that are directly related to the surrounding communities and have an impact on their daily lives, as well as depend on their action and participation to be executed more effectively.

During PAEs preparation, for example, responsibilities are defined for different audiences involved in their application. In the event of an accident, the population must be informed about the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) in the areas covered by the Flood Map, and they must know how to act, since they need to address them. The PAE coordinator is responsible for communicating to the community the need to evacuate the area in this kind of situation, as well as for training and disseminating emergency plans. One of the R&D purposes is to keep this chain of agents connected, effectively informed and trained.

Tools

The project also seeks to assess how to take advantage of smartphones and social media in this kind of events, as the population uses these tools to communicate or get informed, regardless of social class, cultural level or age.

The study will use Artificial Intelligence concepts applied to Distance Education, both to train stakeholders, and to assess the level acquired by each of these agents to help the communication process. It also provides for the use of robots to encourage and verify the readiness of agents to attend communications to/from the company responsible for the plans and systems management.

The population must be notified in a timely manner, and must easily and effectively perform actions in the event of an accident or emergency, collaborating to keep their family, neighbors, material goods and livestock safe.

Bifacial photovoltaic generators state-of-art: Maximizing performance and service life - Phase I

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: AE - ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

SUBTOPIC: AE03 - NEW MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-10381-0620/2020

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Applied research

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 7,243,809.92

​​​➜ DEADLINE
24 months

​​​➜ START
5/6/2020

​​​➜ COMPLETION
5/5/2022

​​​➜ AREA
Business Development

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Sergio Fonseca

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), São Paulo State University (UNESP) and National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI) Institute for Innovations in Renewable Energy Generation

Bifacial photovoltaic generators
state-of-art: Maximizing performance and service life for centralized generation in solar plants and distributed in urban use - Phase I

The project is a joint work between UFSC and UNESP, leading universities in the sector, with SENAI and manufacturers of solar panels and inverters, in addition to CTG Brasil as the project's financier.

One of the problems for the development of photovoltaic technology is the uncertain performance of solar plants. The short track record and the constant innovation of technology increase the uncertainty about future performance and hinder its economic and financial viability.  The performance study of the latest technologies of bifacial panels in conjunction with different types of inverters applied in climatic and Brazilian operating conditions is essential to increase the performance accuracy.  Performance predictability leads to less contingencies and less risk, contributing to energy supply at more competitive prices.

These studies are intended to improve the performance prediction of photovoltaic plants and to optimize annual productivity by maximizing the MWh ratio generated by installed MWp and extending the service life of this equipment.

The project will evaluate the performance of the most modern photovoltaic technologies of bifacial modules and inverters as well as will feature the actual operating conditions in five locations in northeastern Brazil.  The performance of the set of panels and inverters will be evaluated in relation to factors such as degradation, soiling, operation in conditions of extreme irradiance and high temperature, time between failure of inverters, among others.   The characteristics of the application regions will consist of observations of solarimetric stations composed of measurements of global horizontal irradiance, albedo, air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed.  The understanding of performance in controlled conditions, added to the characteristics of the application regions, will allow the performance extrapolation to future solar plants in each of these regions.

The main tool for the study will be the construction of a research and test plant (“Testbed”), composed of a set of four Photovotaic systems followed by an axis and 50kWp at UFSC, in Florianópolis (State of Santa Catarina).  Local soil characteristics will be changed in the research plant, in order to reproduce different actual soil conditions in Brazil, both for studies of the effects of reflectivity (albedo) and dust accumulation.  Several sensors will allow the comparison between more advanced technologies and studies on operation and maintenance models at UFSC and UNESP.

Asset Management, Monitoring and Automatic Diagnosis

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EP – ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS SUPERVISION, CONTROL AND PROTECTION

SUBTOPIC: EP05 – Artificial intelligence techniques applied to the control, operation and protection of electrical systems.

​➜ ​National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-00387-0319/2019

​➜ ​STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental Development

​➜ ​TOTAL COST
BRL 4,257,000.00

​➜ ​DEADLINE
25 months

​➜ ​START
6/1/2019

​➜ ​COMPLETION
6/30/2021

​➜ ​AREA
Maintenance Engineering
Electromechanical

➜ ​PROJECT MANAGER
Marco Antônio Leão

➜ ​PERFORMANCE
MDM Sistemas Ltda.

DEVELOP
Intelligent Integrated System for the Asset Management, Monitoring and Automatic Diagnosis (EAMon)

The project aims at integrating and automating the control and monitoring process of predictive inspections carried out at 14 CTG Brasil plants. With the new system, it will be possible to monitor the inspections results of all plants in a single interface, with more data quality and reliability, and to identify abnormal behaviors in advance, allowing preventive maintenance at the beginning and avoiding equipment failures.

Performing predictive inspections is already a routine action by CTG Brasil's teams to monitor the assets condition. However, with spreadsheets produced manually, the data analysis is isolated and individual, hindering a broader and more strategic final diagnosis. With an intelligent integrated system for the management, monitoring and diagnosis, this work can be done quickly and efficiently, centralizing analysis and information of all plants and different equipment in a single database jointly and interconnectedly.

The study started in June 2019 and provides for the methodology and system development that will use intelligent data analysis technology (data analytics and machine learning).

The implementation of this new integrated system should also bring other gains, such as reducing maintenance costs and increasing the availability of plant equipment.

The project is developing a web portal, which will allow data to be displayed on the screen of the Intelligence Center located at Jupiá Plant, gathering real-time information on predictive maintenance.

Methodology for site selection for pumped-storage hydroelectricity

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: PS - Power Systems Planning

SUBTOPIC: PS01 - Integrated planning for the expansion of electrical systems

​​​➜ NATIONAL ELECTRIC ENERGY AGENCY (ANEEL) CODE
PD-00678-0120/2020

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental Development

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 1,700,000.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
24 months

​​​➜ START
6/8/2020

​​​➜ COMPLETION
4/9/2022

​​​➜ AREA
Business Development

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Sérgio Fonseca

​​➜ PERFORMANCE
PSR Soluções e Consultoria em Energia Ltda

Proposed methodology for site selection in order to implement pumped-storage hydroelectricity

In the last decade, Brazil started to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass. This was possible due to the consolidation of the major technological advances achieved in recent years and the capacity available in the country. However, the intermittent and seasonal character is one of the biggest challenges to the economic insertion of these sources, which can affect the operation of energy distribution systems in the peak of demand and in times of great variations in generation or load.

Faced with this situation, renewable energy technologies are better used when they work together with energy storage systems, which can contribute to balance the load and regulate the frequency, mitigating the irregularity of production and helping the distribution network to better control peak consumption, optimizing economic performance in the maintenance and operation of generation systems. Pumped-storage hydroelectricity (PSH) is the main large-scale, low-cost storage technology applied.

The insertion of pumped-storage hydroelectricity will catalyze the expansion of wind and solar generation and, therefore, will contribute to the development of a clean and low-cost energy matrix.  The combination of a clean and low-cost energy matrix will drive the growth of industry and services in Brazil.

The general purpose of this project consists in the development of a methodology to choose locations to implement PSH plants in Brazil using computational techniques and in the evaluation of the regulatory and economic framework for its insertion in the energy matrix.

The methodology to be proposed should take into account physical, energetic, economic and environmental parameters and criteria to be defined after bibliographic research and technical analysis, considering several arrangements that can be applied in Brazil, as well as the possibility of implementing hybrid power generation systems.

With this project, CTG Brasil will be the leader in the development of PHS plants business, working for proposals to make the regulatory and economic model feasible and identifying concrete opportunities for implementing PHS plants.

Inter-HPP’s electric mobility

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: OT – Others

SUBTOPIC: OT – Strategic Call 22

​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) Code
PD-10381-0022/2019

​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
First Unit of the Series

​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL7,436,233.00

​​➜ DEADLINE
30

​​➜ START
12/19/2019

​​➜ COMPLETION
6/18/2022

​​➜ AREAS
Sustainability, Logistics and R&D

​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Gabriela Toscano

​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Institute of Technology for Development (LACTEC), In Charge

Sustainable inter-HPP’s electric mobility connection: Proof of concept of business model for commercialization of energy in electric station

To grow sustainably, CTG Brazil has been expanding its investments in order to consolidate itself as an increasingly relevant clean energy generation company. At the same time, the ANEEL's Strategic Call no. 22, entitled “Development of Efficient Electric Mobility Solutions”, encourages the application of resources in order to develop sustainable management models for concessionaires through the implementation of electric mobility.

The general purpose of this project is to develop a business model for the electric power sale in electric stations directly by the generation concessionaire, through the adjustment of electric stations and their performance studies in pilot implementation in transporting people in the surroundings of the Hydroelectric Power Plants (HPPs) of CTG Brasil. The pilot will cover the installation of 18 charging stations, connecting the headquarters of CTG Brasil, in São Paulo, plants along the Paranapanema River, to the Jupiá and Ilha Solteira plants, on the Paraná River.

To make use of this structure and test the methodology to be developed, the acquisition of 7 electric vehicles is expected for CTG Brasil, which will be used by the plant maintenance teams to test the proposed solution. Additionally, an educational trailer will be made available to disseminate sustainability in communities close to our plants.

The transition to electric mobility brings major paradigm changes for power systems, including expressive load growth and the decentralization of power grids with distributed energy resources and demand flexibility.  In this new scenario, the role of some agents, such as power generation concessionaires, still lacks more specific definitions in relation to electric mobility, mainly of large-scale generation assets with renewable sources. In a more liberal energy trading paradigm, there are still questions regarding the feasibility, format and technologies necessary for a business model in which the generating unit can sale its energy directly to the final consumer when recharging electric vehicles.

In the case of CTG Brasil, the path between the plants is often made by their operation and maintenance teams. It is expected that the travels between HPPs offers opportunities, such as a pilot plant to test proof of concept of business model to be developed for the sale of electric power in charging stations by the generation concessionaire. In addition, it is a solution to reduce operating costs, energy efficiency and sustainability of travel between HPPs.

The use of innovative technology to travel between plants and strategic points (eg., airport, São Paulo State University (UNESP)) is an excellent opportunity for engagement and strengthening with communities. Thus, enabling the introduction of knowledge in the electric mobility area for new generations in local schools, through experiences with the technology of electric vehicles implemented by CTG Brasil

PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES

Among the challenges proposed is the business model formatting for the direct sale of the generating unit for recharging electric vehicles. In this regard, it is expected to offer product differentiation to the consumer, such as, the option for the user to purchase energy generated exclusively by renewable sources to supply their vehicles; the details of new structures that allow shorter consumer access in retail; and proposals for regulatory changes relevant to the viability of the business to the generating unit.

For infrastructure, the development and integration of electric station control systems that allows the electric power sale by the generating unit must be achieved, including interoperability of communication, billing for intermediation and authorization/blocking access for vehicles in charging stations and activation/identification of supply points, such as, through applications or other user identification methods for correct charging (safe and reliable).

Monitoring the development and displacement of macrophyte banks

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EN – ENVIRONMENT

SUBTOPIC: OTHER – Monitoring the development and displacement of aquatic macrophyte banks in reservoirs

​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-10381-0317/2017

​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Applied Research

​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 6,910,333.90

​​➜ DEADLINE
42 months

​​➜ START
11/20/2017

​​➜ COMPLETION
5/19/2021

​​➜ AREA
Environment

​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Ronan Max Prochnow

​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Institute of Technology for Development (LACTEC)

MONITORING of the development and displacement of aquatic macrophyte banks in reservoirs using geotechnologies and remote sensing techniques

The general purpose of this research was to develop a methodology with the integration of several areas of scientific and technological knowledge for the management of floating and submerged aquatic macrophyte banks in the Jupiá Hydroelectric Plant reservoir. Limnological, floristic studies, hydrological and hydrodynamic modeling, bathymetry, geoprocessing and remote sensing applications enabled the composition of a single model for the monitoring of macrophytes by means of an integrating system. As a result, we have an automated tool implemented for geospatial assessment of macrophyte growth by orbital images, equipped with an alert module, whose interface is flexible and free from the interference of professionals for data processing.

Among the activities carried out in the reservoir, bathymetric surveys validated the occurrence of submerged macrophytes in interested areas. Drone overflights were used to support the determination of the occupation of these plants in areas difficult to reach by boat, especially in the most sheltered places along the Tietê River. Finally, the environmental diagnosis resulting from field campaigns highlighted the factors that govern the aquatic macrophytes dynamics with visible importance in their growth and detachment, thus allowing the attribution of different weights to these parameters.

The Macrophyte Monitoring System (SMM) has a friendly interface for monitoring the main changes in different parts of the reservoir, whose most representative indicators in triggering alerts are the flow data of the Ilha Solteira and Três Irmãos plants, located upstream, as well as the percentage of macrophyte occupation. It is noteworthy that its main user, the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) sector at Jupiá plant, actively cooperated in the features and requirements assessment, seeking to align their expectations and needs with the final product.

Although the system already supports the triggering of critical events in the O&M sector, and can be applied in together with coordinated actions of spills at the plant, the development will still need adjustments, especially as it involves hydrometeorological data collected by sensors attached to buoys. Such structures still require adaptations to the reservoir as it is an environment with strong winds and flows causing the accumulation of aquatic plants in the cables that will be connected to the anchors. These Internet of things (IoT) technologies are likely to be deployed in early 2021.

Emergency Action Plan for Macrophytes

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EN – ENVIRONMENT

SUBTOPIC: OTHER – Emergency Action Plan for Macrophytes, in hydroelectric reservoirs, resulting from intelligent monitoring of growth and travels in real time.

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-10381-0819/2019

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental development

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 4,700,000.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
28 months

​​​➜ START
11/22/2019

​​​➜ COMPLETION
3/21/2022

​​​➜ AREA
Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Cláudio Lima

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Institute of Technology for Development (LACTEC)

Emergency Action Plan for Macrophytes in hydroelectric reservoirs, resulting from intelligent monitoring of growth and travels in real time.

The presence of aquatic macrophytes in reservoirs of hydroelectric plants causes environmental and operational impacts. The detachment of these plants and their arrival at the dam result in high investments in periodic interventions for cleaning the protection grids, as well as generating new waste.

Occasionally, extreme events of detached macrophyte involve large clusters of plants composed of small shrubs and even medium-sized trees. Such banks can move and quickly reach the protection grids of the turbines on the dam and the damage can be significant if not identified in a timely manner, clogging and even breaking these structures. In this case, the system must be suspended for maintenance.

In order to avoid machine breakdown at hydroelectric plants, this R&D project will develop a technological solution capable of detecting the real-time movement of large clusters of floating and submerged plants in a timely manner to conduct O&M protocols specified in a Emergency Action Plan for Macrophytes (PAEM) to be unified with the Macrophyte Monitoring System (SMM).

Thus, the reservoir of Jupiá Plant will be equipped with video cameras located at strategic points on its banks, submerged sonar sensors and geolocalizers to identify macrophytes in the riverbed. This environment must be provided with a set of different devices and interconnected by a telecommunications network. The generated data will be submitted to machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition in order to monitor, predict and suggest actions related to the problem of displacement of macrophyte. This planned and rationalized preparation aims at anticipating operational measures and, as a result, reduce possible damage to the plant as much as possible.

The development of geolocalizing electronic devices, similar to those used by the prison system, but adapted to the monitoring of the macrophyte banks movement, has an original and challenging character to the local adversities and their characteristics, such as robustness, attachment, energization and data communication.

Open Trading Platform for inserting renewable sources in electric mobility

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EP - Electric Power Systems Operation – OTHERS

SUBTOPIC: EP0X - Electric Mobility

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-00387-0022/2019

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
First Unit of the Series

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 5,178,268.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
24 months

​​​➜ START
12/20/2019

​​​➜ COMPLETION
12/20/2021

​​​➜ AREA
Commercialization

​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Vitor Lazzareschi

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
​Sinapsis Inovação;
Way2 Serviços;
EIDEE Design

P2P Open Trading Platform for inserting renewable sources in electric mobility

The electric mobility theme brings to the electricity sector agents some interesting opportunities for the development of new businesses, opening to new players and new commercial arrangements that are favorable to the final consumer.

Both consolidated companies and new businesses are  expected to invest in the country's recharge infrastructure in the next years, using the most different commercial models. One of the main challenges will be the power purchase at competitive prices and in a simpler way than the current model. Since it is a great potential load, issues such as access to the Free Market, use of Distributed Generation, or even future models of peer-to-peer trading are essential so that electric power can reach consumers at attractive prices and in a simple and fast way.

The project aims at creating a cloud platform that is able to aggregate several users and companies involved in recharging electric vehicles and to present a lot of opportunities, be it a simple monthly credit offer coming from a plant of Distributed Generation, or of possibilities of access to the broadest offers of the Free Market. Additionally, it must be prepared for new transaction models, and also incorporate the role of influencer in the market development, proposing developments for the current regulation, based on the Brazilian reality and international references.

From a technological point of view, support for contract models established on a blockchain platform can enable peer-to-peer negotiations and the association of virtual currencies with energy credits appears as an option to facilitate transactions.

Integrated Forecast of Energy and Ballast Demand

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: PS – POWER SYSTEMS PLANNING

SUBTOPIC: PSL04 – Marketing forecasting methods for different time levels and hiring strategies

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE​
PD-00367-0318/2018

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Directed Basic Research

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 4,014,960.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
30 months

​​​➜ START
9/3/2018

​​​➜ COMPLETION
3/2/2021

​​​➜ AREA
Energy Planning

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Rodolfo Lima

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
PSR - Power System Research Inc., MRTS - Consultoria e Engenharia Ltda; Foundation for the Technological Development of Engineering (FDTE)/ University of São Paulo (USP)

INTEGRATED FORECAST
energy and ballast demand and prices for free, regulated and distributed generation markets

The purpose of the project is to develop a mathematical and computational model able to project the evolution of energy and ballast demand and prices for free and regulated markets, considering the insertion of distributed generation. The model will allow the user to make simulations to analyze the price dynamics between the two markets for different cases of system supply and demand.

Currently, the sector seeks the adjustment of electric power supply based on the obligation of all consumers to be 100% hired and all contracts to be based  by physical guarantee. The distributors carry out this contract in the regulated contracting framework (ACR) through auctions organized by the ANEEL, while the contracts in the deregulated contracting framework (ACL) are negotiated bilaterally between consumers and generators or traders.

Several factors have significantly increased the complexity of business in recent years, such as the recession in demand due to the economic crisis, hydroelectric contracts at the end of the concession transformed into fixed quotas for ACR, the largest transfer of consumers to ACL, among others. The generation contract distributed by low-voltage consumers is a growing challenge which is expected to become an additional factor influencing demand and price forecasts.

Ballast and energy

Another topic under discussion is the separation between ballast and energy products. The ballast represents the energy contribution of the plants to the system supply security and, therefore, is a common asset. The energy, on the other hand, represents a financial hedge against the variability of the Differences Settlement Price (PLD) and, therefore, is a private asset.

The contracting of the ballast is intended to ensure a proper supply, allowing the generator to obtain an additional income to offset the difference between the expected sale of the energy and the need to remunerate the investment. When contracting the products jointly, the price of new energy in the system ends up being impacted by the ballast value. The separate and centralized contracting of the energy ballast, on the other hand, can result in a change in the dynamics between the free market and the regulated market and, consequently, in the definition of the energy price.

Therefore, the tool will also allow the analysis of the impact of changes in energy policy that affect the allocation of costs and risks between different markets, such as, implementation alternatives and simulations of the separation between ballast and energy. It will also be possible to assess the impact on the migration rate to the free market and to socialize the costs of expanding the generation plant's capacity among all consumers, with the separation between ballast and energy, a measure proposed in the Public Consultation of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) Number 33 of 1027. Another example is the impact on the free market of the reduction of subsidies for the encouraged sources.

COVID-19 Impacts

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, a discussion began regarding the repercussions of quarantine on the profile of energy consumption in Brazil. Therefore, an alignment of scope was found in this project, which provided the search for diagnoses of the impacts of COVID-19 in the Brazilian electricity sector. This search was made based on analyzes of the reductions observed in energy consumption since March 2020, the institutional measures adopted to face the situation and comparison with the European and American market.

Prototype of a servo-pneumatic unit to regulate the speed of hydroelectric turbines

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EP – ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS SUPERVISION, CONTROL AND PROTECTION

SUBTOPIC: EP01 – Implementation of control systems (robust, adaptive and intelligent).

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-00387-0117/2017

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental development

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 3,041,834.32

​​​➜ DEADLINE
51 months

​​​➜ START
1/4/2017

​​​➜ COMPLETION
4/3/2021

​​​➜ AREA
Operation & Maintenance

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Leonardo Leoncini

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Reivax S.A. Automação e Controle

DEVELOPMENT
prototype of a servo-pneumatic unit to regulate the speed of hydroelectric power plant turbines

The project consists of the development of a prototype of a servo-pneumatic unit to regulate the speed of small hydraulic turbines.  The model was built on a test bench in the laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), where tests were carried out to consolidate the research. The pilot application will be approved at the 438 kVA generating unit of auxiliary services at the Salto Grande Plant, CTG Brasil's hydroelectric plant on Paranapanema River.

This development meets the requirements of automation and control systems, in which safe and accurate operation is vital to maintain quality in the electric power generation. In addition to these performance requirements, the robustness and cost-effectiveness of the equipment are being considered.

The prototype consists of pneumatic cylinders and servovalve, compressor, sensors, power unit and specific digital controller for the servo-pneumatic system.

The application of the prototype to the Salto Grande Plant's auxiliary generating unit will consolidate the use of low-cost technology in pneumatic control in small hydroelectric turbines, filling a gap in the Brazilian market.

From an operational point of view, in addition to the additional energy to be generated, will be an improvement in the reliability of plant restoration (black-start) and a reduction in the use of diesel generator to supply the auxiliary systems. The alignment with sustainability issues is considered, with a decrease in the production of chemical waste, which translates into a cleaner operation.

Feasibility

The potential for applying the project's results includes small hydroelectric plants with turbines, up to 3 MVA, and turbines whose activation of the mechanical regulating devices is possible to be carried out directly by a pneumatic cylinder, as a distributor ring in Francis turbines or injector/deflector in Pelton turbines, reaching an estimated 600 generating units in the Brazilian electricity sector.

Materiality

Professional qualification – Two master's degrees from UFSC, with suggested themes Servo-pneumatic systems and Nonlinear modeling and control, among others.

Technological qualification – At least two articles in technical-scientific publications. An intellectual property registration submitted to the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI).

Social and Environmental Impacts – Replacement of hydraulic units that use oil with pneumatic systems.

Cavitation reduction in Francis turbines

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EP – ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS SUPERVISION, CONTROL AND PROTECTION

SUBTOPIC: EP05 – Artificial intelligence techniques applied to the control, operation and protection of electrical systems.

​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE
PD-10381-0517/2017

​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Applied research

​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 6,273,659.00

​​➜ DEADLINE
42 months

​​➜ START
12/20/2017

​➜ COMPLETION
​6/19/2021

​​➜ AREA
Operation & Maintenance

​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Everthon Santos

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Andritz Hydro S.A. and M&D Monitoração e Diagnose Ltda.

CREATION
of intelligent cavitation reduction system by air injection in Francis turbines

The project aims at developing an intelligent and innovative system to trigger the air injection in Francis turbines and, thus, reduce the cavitation that affects the operation of these turbines. Cavitation is created from bubbles formed by the pressure reduction effect when water passes through the turbine of the generating unit. When the bubbles implode, they cause metal erosion, impairing efficiency and reducing life of the turbines, in addition to causing excessive vibrations and noise, cracks and, consequently, power loss and risk of equipment breakdown.

The study uses a new technique for monitoring and diagnosing the type of cavitation in the turbine, with active aeration activation at different pre-defined points, quantities and pressures. Existing studies indicate that air injection can be efficient in eliminating or mitigating the consequences of several turbine instabilities, providing improved performance, increased operational flexibility and reduced interval between machine breakdown due to cavitation damage.

The project will equip the turbine with several sensors, so that variations of different parameters resulting from the bubbles formed in the vortexes will be captured. To ensure that the signals received are effectively bubbles that cause cavitations, special cameras will be used to identify the different vortices at high speed.

With this monitoring system, the identification of cavitation types and the possibility of recognizing changes in the turbines operation will allow it to act more efficiently to minimize these effects, seeking the best solution that considers the efficiency of the system and the reduction of the wear and tear caused.

The development of better techniques for monitoring and analyzing the operation, the development of prototypes and the increase in availability increases the relevance of this topic.

During the project development, the several phases include academic research, testing and analysis, testing and validation in power plants, enabling the solution to be adapted and applied to other similar hydraulic turbines.

​

Operating power reserve and hourly stochastic operation of the National Interconnected System (SIN)

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EP – ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS OPERATION

SUBTOPIC: EL08 – Development of models for the optimization of hydrothermal dispatch

​​➜ NATIONAL ELECTRIC ENERGY AGENCY (ANEEL) CODE
PD-07267-0013/2018

​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Basic research

​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 3,293,160.00

​​➜ CTG COST
1,822,329.00

​​➜ DEADLINE
30 months

​​➜ START
4/30/2018

​​➜ COMPLETION
10/29/2020

​​➜ AREA
Energy Planning

​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Rodrigo Mello

​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Power System Research Inc., MRTS Consultoria e Engenharia Ltda., Foundation of Support to the University of São Paulo (FUSP)

POWER RESERVE operation and hourly stochastic operation of the National Interconnected System (NIS), supported by the co-optimization process and considering uncertainties in the forecast of renewable production, demand and distributed generation.

The main purpose of this project is to develop methodologies and computational mathematical modeling that contribute to greater efficiency in price formation and more correct signaling for hydrothermal dispatch. Developed by CTG Brasil, together with EDP, it addresses the Operating Power Reserve (OPR) and hourly stochastic operation of the NIS with the support of the co-optimization process, considering uncertainties in the forecast of renewable production, energy demand and distributed generation.

The current model of Brazilian hydrothermal dispatch uses only a renewable demand and production schedule as a scenario over the week-long study period. Due to the insertion of distributed generation, however, there is increasing uncertainty regarding intermittent renewable production (solar and wind).  As a consequence, the system's short-term operation may make less use of preventive resources, such as thermal generation. Additionally, the current generation reserve calculation criteria do not represent the variability of demand and renewable production, and it is not possible to guarantee that there is a co-optimization of the generation reserve and the short-term operation.

This project appears in the context of the adoption of hourly pricing in Brazil. The final product will incorporate the generation and transmission model of the Short-term Hydrothermal Dispatch Model (DESSEM) with hourly resolution, but representing the operation under uncertainty of demand and renewable production, which is increasingly intermittent.
It also seeks a joint stochastic optimization of generation and reserve of operating power.

New model

The proper operation model, especially in the short-term, is a priority on the agenda of the Brazilian electricity sector, as it impacts the costs of the system, as well as the process of price formation, accounting and settlement of electric power transactions.

The final products of the project will be:

• Hydrothermal dispatch model with open code for collaboration with academia;
• Methodology for probabilistic calculation of the operating power reserve, ensuring reserve co-optimization and hourly operation;
• Comparative analysis of deterministic hourly dispatch models;
• Recommendation of input data and restrictions for models;
• Evaluation of the impact of spot market pricing with hourly granularity on the different system agents.
• The expected results of the project will bring benefits to the entire Brazilian electricity sector and, consequently, to society. Namely:
• Correct signaling of marginal hourly costs, allowing to induce efficient behavior of agents;
• Improvement of hourly operation and system pricing;
• Higher revenues for generators capable of modulating the load (for example, hydroelectric);
• Reduction of Operation & Maintenance costs as an effect of modeling operational restrictions; and
• Training of the sales team, allowing better risk management in an hourly pricing environment.

Safety 4.0 - new technologies for inspection and risk analysis

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: PS – POWER SYSTEMS PLANNING

SUBTOPIC: PS04 – Marketing forecasting methods for different time levels and hiring strategies

​​​➜ National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) CODE​
PD-00387-0720/2020

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental Development

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 3,829,460.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
48 months

​​​➜ START
8/10/2020

​​​➜ COMPLETION
8/9/2024

​​​➜ AREA
Market Intelligence

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Jefferson Amadeu

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Navarra Technologies Soluções em Tecnologia
PSR - Power System Research Inc.
MRTS - Consultoria e Engenharia Ltda; Foundation for the Technological Development of Engineering (FDTE)/ University of São Paulo (USP)
Chamber of Generation and Sale of Electric Power (CCEE)

Credit risk diffusion and investigation of mitigating measures in the decentralized commercialization of electricity in the Brazilian market

The counterparties are solely responsible for the perception of risk in the Brazilian electricity market, unlike the structured derivative markets, with central counterparties, such as stock exchanges. The bilateral relationship between the agents is not known in detail by the market operator (CCEE) and the current interactions between the parties do not affect the need to provide guarantees in the electricity market.

In February 2019, a small energy trading company faced the situation of changing market price, which prevented it from honoring its positions with its counterparts. Such event should led to a loss of more than BRL 200 million for the electricity market, in addition to indirect impacts such as the significant reduction in liquidity in the market in subsequent months, due to the risk aversion of the partners.

Within this scenario, this project seeks to study the behavior of these agents in a simulated environment, in order to replicate their behavior in the electricity market, allowing to view the impact of different risk mitigation methodologies. Additionally, counterparty risk flags will be developed using common metrics to all agents, in order to allow the preparation of a risk ranking among market partners.

As a differentiating factor, this project partners with the CCEE in a similar role to that of an intervening entity, aiming at knowing and evaluating the study developed, ensuring the relevance of the developments for improving market safety.

Cleaning system for the water outlet

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: OP – ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS OPERATION

SUBTOPIC: OP01 – Tools to support the operation of electrical power systems in real time.

​​➜ NATIONAL ELECTRIC ENERGY AGENCY (ANEEL) CODE
PD-00387-0218/2018

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Experimental Development

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 9,107,000.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
24 months

​​​➜ START
7/1/2018

​​​➜ COMPLETION
6/30/2020

​​​➜ AREA
Operation & Maintenance

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Eugenio Claret Ribeiro

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Voith Hydro Ltda.

DEVELOPMENT
of a cleaning system for the water intake of hydroelectric plants

The purpose of this project is to develop a new piece of equipment for cleaning the grids of hydroelectric plants capable of efficiently removing debris, aquatic plants and golden mussels, including those on the surface and those submerged in front of water intakes of generating units.

These grids are intended to prevent the passage of this floating debris, which can cause damage to the hydraulic circuit. Over time, these elements are dragged to the water intake of the generating units, where they are sucked in and accumulate in the structures. There are several conceptions of machines for cleaning grids nowadays, all with almost the same operating principle, but which are inefficient to remove accumulated waste, especially waste that adheres to the grids, such as golden mussels.

The equipment will be developed in independent modules consisting of an articulated arm, claws and car to transport these elements to the spillway or to the place where the removal will be done.  Submerged debris settled onto the grids will be removed by rubber grippers attached to the grid cleaner. This equipment is meant to be used in all types of hydroelectric plants, especially benefiting those with a substantial amount of floating debris and suffering from a golden mussel infestation.

Durability and efficiency tests were performed on the components used in the rubber grips, and the equipment operation and functionality were checked in the field at the Rosana Plant, Paranapanema River, where a pilot prototype will be assembled using part of the plant's existing infrastructure.

Benefits

As a result of this project, the equipment should be improved, developed and marketed and should meet the needs of removing aquatic plants, golden mussels and other types of debris accumulated from the water intakes and settled onto the protection grids of the generating units.

The expected economic benefits are:

• Reduced costs incurred with repairs to the water outlet grids and diving services for cleaning the grids;
• Increased generation availability of the plant by reducing turbine downtime;
• Reduction of pressure loss at the grid;
• Greater machine efficiency; and
• Increased safety by preventing grid collapse due to obstruction.

Reproductive technologies and mechanisms of sexual determination in Piracanjuba

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: MA – ENVIRONMENT

SUBTOPIC: OTHER

​​​➜ NATIONAL ELECTRIC ENERGY AGENCY (ANEEL) CODE​
PD-00387-0418/2019

​​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Directed Basic Research

​​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL 4,892,844.00

​​​➜ DEADLINE
48 months

​​​➜ START
6/17/2019

​​​➜ COMPLETION
6/16/2023

​​​➜ AREA
Environment

​​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Norberto Castro Vianna

​​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), National Center Research for Conservation of Freshwater Fishes, Fish Biotechnology Lab

REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
and mechanisms of sexual determination in Piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) for application in restocking programs

Piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) is listed in the IUCN Red List, prepared by the ICMBio. Its reproduction is considered critical, as there may be mortality of most females due to hemorrhage or stress, and sexual maturation is delayed, since it takes more than two years of intensive management to form a good matrix. However, the main challenge is the deviation in the sex ratio of captive breeders (90% males, 10% females), compromising reproduction and restocking programs.

One of the alternatives to facilitate the reinforcement of Piracanjuba stock is to employ the mediated propagation technique, also known as “surrogacy”, which allows a fish to produce gametes of another fish. For this, chimerism is used, a phenomenon in which cells from a donor individual can coexist in other individuals.

Through the application of this technique, the final product of this project will be protocols and procedures for the large-scale artificial reproduction of Piracanjuba, as well as to elucidate the mechanism of sexual determination of this species. The collection, domestication and reproduction processes, phenotypic and genotypic sex determination studies, and large-scale artificial propagation using reproduction biotechnologies such as chimerism and gynogenesis are part of the study.

Originality

By using these methodologies, fish that are easy to reproduce can be used to produce gametes of species with critical reproduction, such as Piracanjuba. In order to obtain mediated propagation, the project includes transplantation of Piracanjuba germ cells to sterile adults - an unprecedented procedure in the literature and in the Brazilian hydroelectric sector - of two other species also of the Order Characiformes: Brycon (Brycon amazonicus) and Astyanax (Astyanax altiparanae).

The project also conducts a series of studies to understand the causes of deviation from the sex ratio of Piracanjuba, in order to establish actions to increase the production of females in this species.

The success of Piracanjuba stocking should have important advances in economic and social and environmental aspects, since it is an endangered species, which acts as a propagator of seeds of important riparian forest plants and which is also used for cooking.

The successful application of the mediated propagation technique can also optimize the reproduction of other critical species, consolidating strategies potentially applicable to the hydroelectric sector as a form of sustainable development.

Valuation of Cultural Ecosystem Services Associated with Forest Restoration

Specification Sheet

TOPIC: EN – Environment

SUBTOPIC: Methodologies for economic-financial measurement of externalities in electric power systems

​​➜ NATIONAL ELECTRIC ENERGY AGENCY (ANEEL) CODE
PD-00387-0120/2020

​​➜ STAGE IN THE CHAIN
Applied Research

​​➜ TOTAL COST
BRL7,436,233.00

​​➜ DEADLINE
40

​​➜ START
4/30/2020

​​➜ COMPLETION
08/30/2023

​​➜ AREAS
Environment

​​➜ PROJECT MANAGER
Leandro Barbieri

​​➜ PERFORMANCE
Ecological Research Institute (IPE), Higher Environmental Conservation and Sustainability School (ESCAS), Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV)

Development of Procedures for Economic-Monetary Valuation of Ecosystem Services and for Non-Monetary Valuation of Cultural Ecosystem Services Associated with Forest Restoration

This project aims at defining criteria and tools that assist in the decision-making process related to forest restoration activities, also considering financial and economic impacts. The importance of ecosystem services for business is already widely recognized and companies have been considering the implications and impacts of their business on the natural environment as part of their decision-making processes.

To better deal with this struggle, companies have been developing guidelines to direct the proper and consistent application of environmental economic valuation methods, in order to obtain value estimates for ecosystem services, especially in the form of monetary values. This environmental economic valuation, when producing estimates in a monetary metric, facilitates the use of such estimates by traditional techniques companies use to assert project feasibility, policies and investments in general, as a way to gain a clearer idea of their importance in terms of operational risks and new business opportunities, and in terms of the company's relationship with society, that is, its social license to operate.

Thus, the expected progress with this R&D project is that the tools it generates are capable of valuing aspects of particular interest for the management of hydroelectric reservoirs, in a sufficiently simplified and low-cost manner that can be applied by the company's technical team, without the need to hire external expert analysts for each round of analysis.

The methods applied are also innovative. Instead of structuring the analysis based on different environmental benefits individually, the analysis is focused on an environmental asset: the forest. The several environmental benefits are then assessed and valued, as ecosystem services, generated by forests and which are considered relevant to the context of hydroelectric power generation reservoirs. The focus on the environmental asset allows a more integrated view of the economic value of ecosystem services related to that asset. This in turn facilitates corporate planning and management, as the same action aimed at forest conservation, management or restoration can impact different ecosystem services at the same time.

This project also relies on the originality of the application of non-monetary valuation of cultural ecosystem services, aiming at capturing the intangible benefits that forest restoration provides for the social relations of the communities of interest to the Environmental Conservation Areas (ECAs).

The outcomes obtained from this R&D project may indicate that investments in green infrastructure, such as restoration of native forest ecosystems, are a tool to reduce operating costs of reservoir maintenance, among other potential benefits for the company and for society. The economic-monetary values will have economic importance for the company as soon as assigned from this study. As this valuation of natural capital reflects other benefits generated by ecosystems contributing to the quality of life of local communities or other social segments, they are of economic importance to society (social license).

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

1. Development of simplified procedures to estimate economic-monetary value associated with the impacts of forest restoration on the company's business. It concerns, e.g., costs avoided with asset maintenance and mitigation or compensation of environmental damage, as well as potential income from new businesses based on ecosystem services.
2. Development of simplified procedures to estimate economic-monetary value associated with the impacts of forest restoration on different social actors. It therefore concerns the externalities produced by such forest restoration actions, which directly influence the company's social license to operate.
3. Development of simplified procedures to estimate non-monetary value of cultural ecosystem services associated with the existence and maintenance of ECAs for different social actors. It relates to qualitative indicators, which represent the contributions generated by forest restoration actions to the social relations of local communities, which directly influence the company's social license to operate.