Rural electrification options in the Brazilian Amazon: A multi-criteria analysis

• The current main electrification solution may not be the most effective for the Amazon.
• Diesel solutions present drawbacks to other renewable solutions (RES) in the Amazon.
• In the Amazon an information and management failure distorts the energy user's choice.
• Pros of RES in the region are no fuel costs and low impacts on health & environment.
• Cons for new RES in the Amazon are high capital cost and lack of mature supply chain.

Worldwide, approximately 1.2 billion people still lack access to electricity. Recognized by the Brazilian Government as a citizen's right, access to electricity was extended to almost 15 million people since 2003 as a result of the “Luz Para Todos” (Light for all — LPT) program. However, considerable parts of the Amazon region still lack access to electricity services, largely due to the long distances that need to be covered and to challenging topography. This paper explores electrification using selected renewable sources, both for new installations and for hybridization of existing diesel generators. We present results from a multi-criteria analysis that explores trade-offs associated with electrification options. Techno-economic, environmental, social and institutional criteria and attributes are explored. We find that renewable and hybrid systems present a number of advantages for application in isolated areas of the region.