The Energy Research Office (EPE) suggests adopting innovative technology to optimize São Paulo’s electrical grids, creating immediate room for new data centers with low investment.
The expansion of digital processing facilities has found a major ally in the Brazilian power sector. EPE has pointed to a modern, low-cost alternative to unlock electricity supply in strategic areas of the state of São Paulo, easing infrastructure bottlenecks without the need for immediate physical interventions.
Strategic planning aims to meet growing connection demands, driven primarily by the arrival of new technological installations in the region. To make these connections viable in the short term, the federal agency suggested implementing advanced monitoring on a specific section of the state’s energy grid.
Technological innovation for grid optimization
The strategy involves applying a system known as DLR (Dynamic Line Rating), with estimated investments of R$ 2.12 million. Unlike the conventional model, which uses fixed and conservative parameters, this tool monitors meteorological and operational variables in real-time, accurately calculating the maximum capacity the cables can handle.
Based on historical climate analyses and advanced digital simulations, the study demonstrated that the 138 kV circuit between Mogi Guaçu and São João da Boa Vista II can operate at higher limits than current ones. The normal transfer level will increase from 79 MVA to 95 MVA, ensuring a 20% boost in capacity without compromising operational safety.
The use of operational intelligence and real-time climate data represents a revolution in asset management, making it possible to extract the maximum potential from existing infrastructure before resorting to major civil works.
Postponing major financial investments
The operational gain provided by modernization has a direct impact on the sector’s investment schedule. The need for a deep structural overhaul of the section, budgeted at approximately R$ 140 million, has been postponed from 2035 to 2038.
This slowdown in expansion costs is part of a broader plan mapped out by EPE for the electrical system in São Paulo. Overall planning projects about R$ 1.15 billion in improvements by the end of the analyzed horizon, including re-conductoring and advanced flow control devices to mitigate saturation points indicated by the ONS (National Electric System Operator).
