Elea Data Centers CEO Alessandro Lombardi points to the exclusive use of renewable energy as Brazil’s true competitive advantage in the global race for artificial intelligence investments.
The discussion surrounding the regulatory framework for expanding technological infrastructure in the country has recently taken on new contours. While the market awaits official regulation for Redata (Special Taxation Regime for Datacenter Services), industry executives are weighing in on which energy matrices should receive federal tax incentives.
For Elea’s leadership, although the inclusion of clean fossil fuels in legislative negotiations is understandable to guarantee operational stability, the essence of the national ecosystem should strictly prioritize clean resources. The regulation, signed into law in mid-September, links tax suspensions on equipment purchases to strict water efficiency and sustainability targets.
The strategic role of natural gas and the transition
Although the institutional preference is for fully green sources, the sector acknowledges the practical utility of natural gas. Its primary application would be replacing traditional diesel generators during power grid failures, in addition to serving as backup during periods of low wind or solar generation.
The exact definition of so-called low-emission sources has sparked debate behind the scenes in Brasília. The Ministry of Mines and Energy supports flexibility to include gas, while the Ministry of Finance shows resistance. Meanwhile, technological bets on long-duration battery storage emerge as an alternative to mitigate fossil fuel dependence.
The requirement for renewable energy represents Brazil’s major differential in the global dispute for artificial intelligence investments.
Grid security and new expansion horizons
Beyond the energy matrix, transmission infrastructure remains a critical point for new ventures. Elea’s management supports the financial guarantee requirements established by Pnast (National Transmission System Access Policy), reinforcing that energy planning must validate the actual connection of loads to preserve systemic stability.
With nine active facilities already operating entirely on clean supply, the company is planning significant leaps. Among future initiatives, the ambitious Rio AI City project stands out, designed to achieve an initial capacity of 1.5 gigawatts, consolidating its commitment to the energy transition and Brazil’s digital expansion.
