Growth of the participation of wind energy in the energy-Brazilian energy matrix: an analysis from the regulatory framework

This work presents as its central goal to analyze whether the electricity auctions that occurred between 2009 and 2014 favored the growth of wind energy participation in the Brazilian energy matrix. It aims to evaluate how the new theoretical frameworks of regulation in the electric industry collaborate to increase the search for alternative sources, specifically regarding wind power. It uses Demsetz’s analysis (1968) to discuss the mechanism of operation of public services utility in order to understand the wind power auctions that happened in the analyzed period. In addition, this paper contains a brief presentation of the current configuration of the Brazilian electrical sector, including the recent regulation model and the most relevant changes in the composition of the national energy matrix. The results show that regulation through auctions has contributed to the diversification of the energy matrix, increasing the share of renewable generation sources such as wind power. However, it is also necessary to adjust some particularities of the auctions for more successful results regarding increasing the diversification of the energy matrix—focusing on renewable energy—and reducing dependence on hydroelectric power.