ANEEL is innovating by launching a transmission auction that includes battery storage, a crucial step for Brazil’s power grid. This multi-billion real investment drives sustainability and energy security.
The National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) has marked a turning point in the Brazilian power sector by announcing the opening of Public Consultation No. 032/2026. This initiative invites the public to examine the draft notice for Transmission Auction No. 01/2027, an event that promises to revolutionize the country’s energy infrastructure and accelerate the energy transition. The launch of the consultation, approved this Tuesday (8th), signals a robust commitment to the modernization and sustainability of the national power grid.
The major highlight of this auction lies in the unprecedented inclusion of battery energy storage projects within the transmission segment. This is a strategic move to resolve bottlenecks and enhance system reliability. With expected energy investments of R$ 12.9 billion, the event is scheduled for April 30, 2027, at the B3 headquarters in São Paulo, representing a significant leap forward for the integration of clean energy in Brazil.
A Milestone for Energy Storage
Transmission Auction No. 01/2027 is notable for its Lot 5, which introduces the procurement of battery energy storage directly into the National Interconnected System (SIN). This pioneering measure aims to improve the reliability of electricity supply to remote regions such as Cruzeiro do Sul and Feijó, in Acre, which have historically faced challenges in service quality. The choice of batteries for this role is strategic, offering the flexibility and agility needed to stabilize the power grid, although the contract period is set at 18 years—different from the 30-year term of other lots—due to the specific operational lifespan of the technology.
Expanding the National Power Grid
Beyond the innovation with batteries, the auction encompasses an ambitious scope to expand Brazil’s energy infrastructure. It includes the construction of 3,245 km of new transmission lines and the addition of 1,386 MVA in transformation capacity. These improvements will span 13 states, reaching from the North to the South of the country, including Acre, Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo. Such expansion is vital to strengthen energy distribution and meet growing demand while ensuring the operational safety of the Electric System.
Economic Boost and a Sustainable Future
The substantial R$ 12.9 billion investment projected for this auction will not only modernize the power grid but also serve as an engine for the economy. Winning companies will have terms ranging from 36 to 60 months to complete the works, a period that, according to ANEEL estimates, will create approximately 29,500 new direct and indirect jobs. This is a clear signal that the commitment to clean energy and sustainable solutions can be a major driver of economic and social development.
Public Participation and Next Steps
Public Consultation No. 032/2026 will be open for contributions between September 10 and October 26, offering a unique opportunity for society to actively participate in building the future of energy in Brazil. Suggestions can be sent to the email cp032_2026@aneel.gov.br, and the draft notice, along with additional information, will be available on the ANEEL website. Following the consultation period and the analysis of proposals, the document will undergo deliberation by the ANEEL Board of Directors and, if approved, will be forwarded in December to the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) for analysis, ensuring the transparency and legality of the process.
The inclusion of battery energy storage in ANEEL’s transmission auction represents a strategic advancement in Brazil’s energy transition. This fundamental step not only ensures the modernization and resilience of the power grid but also solidifies the country’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy. By allowing for greater flexibility and stability in energy supply, especially in critical regions, Brazil positions itself as a leader in adopting innovative technologies for a more efficient and secure energy future.
