Use of wastes as option for the mitigation of CO2 emissions in the Brazilian power sector

The present study presents an analysis of the options available for the mitigation of CO2 emissions in the Brazilian power sector. The objective is to verify the potential use of wastes for electrical energy generation and its competitiveness in comparison with other sources of renewable energy. A comparison was made using marginal abatement cost curves derived from a reference scenario obtained from earlier studies dealing with the expansion of the Brazilian power sector. The results showed that the availability of wastes is significant and that they can be used at a cost 20-60% lower than that of wind power generation, a subsidized source of energy in Brazil. It can therefore be concluded that it would be more efficient if incentives were applied to the use of wastes for electrical power generation since it offers socio-environmental benefits which go far beyond the reduction of CO2 emissions.CO2 mitigation Electricity generation Marginal abatement cost curves

Strategies to promote renewable energy in Brazil

The present study is the result of recent research that has been developed in Brazil in cooperation with international research centers. The aim is to analyze the best strategies for maintaining the high share of renewable sources in Brazil's electric power generation system. The results show that, for the time horizon considered, the country still has plentiful energy resources available, notably its hydroelectric potential, and that the introduction of mitigation measures in the electricity sector has only a small impact on the price of electricity. The study also shows that the country has made a significant contribution to the struggle against global warming.Energy options Greenhouse gases Climate change Renewable sources Brazilian power sector

Linking electricity consumption of home appliances and standard of living: A comparison between Brazilian and French households

International audienceSolutions based exclusively on technology are unlikely to fully deliver a transition towards a low-carbon society. Shifts in consumption patterns and lifestyles associated with technological solutions are essential to achieve safe GHG concentration levels. Considering households' consumption patterns, residential electricity consumption represents a major issue, as it is closely related to lifestyle choices and living standards. In this context, this paper discusses how specific electricity requirements may vary across different deciles of living standard in Brazil and France. The present evaluation is based on specific electricity consumption and its corresponding carbon dioxide emissions for different home appliances used for food conservation, lighting, daily chores (e.g. cloth washing), as well as information and leisure. Results ratify, on the one hand, the significant income gap existing between French and Brazilian households. On the other hand, they show that differences regarding specific electricity requirements in the two countries are lower than intuitively expected. Hence, they evidence a converging trend in electricity requirements between the two countries, especially among higher income deciles