ONS allocates 228 MW to data centers in an unprecedented auction, boosting the technology and clean energy sector in Brazil.
The National Electric System Operator (ONS) marked a new chapter in access to the Basic Energy Grid with the conclusion of the first access season under the National Transmission System Access Policy (Pnast).
In this inaugural stage, 228 MW of capacity, previously idle in the main grid, was allocated to three data center projects located in the state of São Paulo. This allocation represents a significant advancement in how large energy consumers interact with the National Interconnected System (SIN).
The available energy, divided into four connection points, was entirely directed to companies in the technology sector. Beneficiaries include Pahlavan One and Pahlavan Three, controlled by Cloud HQ, and Digital DC Brasil, which operates under the NextStream brand and is linked to private equity fund Actis.
The initiative aims to optimize the use of existing transmission infrastructure while meeting the growing energy demand of data processing centers, which are essential for the digital economy.
A New Model for Access and Energy Planning
Pnast, established by Decree No. 12,772/2025, introduced a Basic Grid access model focused on transparency, predictability, and efficiency. The policy’s first cycle culminated in an unprecedented competitive process, held on October 6, which attracted seven projects with a total demand of 451 MW qualified.
The remaining capacity of 228 MW, which corresponded to 100% of the offered margin, was fully allocated, demonstrating market interest and need for this new dynamic.
Throughout this first season, ONS registered an expressive volume of registrations, with 367 generation and consumption projects totaling over 20 GW in access requests. Including the transitional phase, the operator analyzed over 43 GW in requests, of which approximately 30.7 GW were enabled or qualified, highlighting the expansion and modernization potential of the Brazilian electric sector.
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, stated:
“When we designed this policy, our goal was to overcome a waiting-list logic and build a state policy based on planning, technical criteria, and competitive processes. With Pnast, we provide agents with more predictability, increase investment efficiency, and ensure that transmission expansion is aligned with the country’s development needs. This is a shift that strengthens electric sector planning, increases system security, and creates the conditions for Brazil to advance with adequate infrastructure and a long-term vision.”
Results and Outlook for the Sector
The success of Pnast‘s first cycle not only optimizes the use of transmission infrastructure but also validates the planning and competition approach for new access points. The participation of large data center projects in this unprecedented auction reflects the technology sector’s confidence in the guidelines established by the government.
The CEO of ONS, Marcio Rea, stated:
“We conclude this first cycle with results that demonstrate the effectiveness of the new transmission access model. In addition to the expressive volumes of analyzed and enabled capacity, we successfully carried out Pnast’s first Competitive Process, consolidating a more predictable, transparent, and efficient environment for investors, consumers, and the planning of Brazil’s electrical system expansion.”
The lessons learned from this first season will serve as a basis for future improvements, as highlighted by ONS‘s Director of IT, Agent Relationship, and Regulatory Affairs, Maurício de Souza.
The expectation is that Pnast will continue to be a pillar for the sustainable and planned expansion of Brazil’s electrical infrastructure, attracting investments and ensuring energy security for the country’s economic development.
