The ONS projects that 11 GW in clean energy projects from the 2026 1st Access Season are ready to move forward, signaling a more transparent and predictable future for the Brazilian electric sector.
The National Electric System Operator (ONS) has released an optimistic forecast for the first access season of 2026, indicating that approximately 11 GW of projects registered under the National Policy for Access to the Transmission System (Pnast) are prepared to advance. This projection boosts the country’s sustainable energy landscape, ensuring greater transparency and predictability for ventures seeking connection to the National Interconnected System (SIN).
The 11 GW milestone represents slightly more than half of the 20.28 GW of total capacity initially registered, a clear indicator of the effectiveness of the new guidelines. The report, included in the Technical Note on Remaining Capacity Quantities of the SIN, provides an initial outlook on how transmission infrastructure may be utilized in the coming years.
A Leap for Energy Capacity
Data presented by the ONS points to a promising future for the expansion of national energy capacity. Out of the 20.28 GW initially proposed, the 11 GW signaled to proceed demonstrate an efficient screening process and a focus on projects that possess genuine technical and regulatory viability. This selection is crucial for the development of the electric sector.
Even with the preliminary nature of the figures, which do not yet account for potential withdrawals, the results validate the new access model. The clarity of the criteria and the evaluation structure of Pnast are reshaping how clean energy ventures connect to the grid.
Transparency and Predictability in Access
Pnast was designed to bring a new dynamic to the access process, and the initial results confirm its benefits. The CEO of the ONS, Marcio Rea, emphasized the importance of the new system for the market.
Although the numbers are preliminary, the results signal the success of implementing Pnast, contributing to greater transparency in the access process and offering increased predictability to agents in the electric sector.
The technical note details that approximately 8.06 GW (equivalent to 40% of the registered capacity) will receive clearance for direct service, which streamlines their integration. Another 2.94 GW (15% of the capacity) will be directed to a competitive process, where projects will vie for connection capacity.
Details of Power Distribution
The distribution of power reflects regional needs and opportunities. Of the projects moving to the competitive process, approximately 1.95 GW correspond to consumer units concentrated at 13 strategic connection points in the state of São Paulo.
Furthermore, 993 MW of sustainable energy generation will be contested across two busbars in Rio Grande do Sul, highlighting the geographic diversity of investments.
The Director of IT, Agent Relations, and Regulatory Affairs at the ONS, Maurício de Souza, emphasizes the relevance of the new model for more efficient management.
This new model will allow for greater integration between the interests of the sector and expansion planning, supporting the identification and overcoming of challenges related to capacity availability.
These signals are crucial for optimizing the planning and execution of new ventures, ensuring that transmission infrastructure is used as efficiently as possible.
The preliminary results solidify the ONS‘s vision regarding the potential of Pnast to improve capacity allocation and the efficiency of the Brazilian electric system. By balancing the needs of new clean energy projects with existing operational constraints, the country is advancing toward a more robust and sustainable energy matrix.
This is a significant step toward ensuring energy security and the competitiveness of the electric sector, consolidating a path of growth and innovation for the future.
