Sustainable management model for rural electrification: Case study based on biomass solid waste considering the Brazilian regulation policy

This paper presents a proposal of sustainable management model alternative for electrification of remote communities in the Amazon region, considering the Brazilian regulation policy. This paper presents also a case study of the electrification in a river-dwelling community in the State of Pará, Brazil, within the scope of the Program for Electric Power Service Universalization in Brazil. The community shall be provided with electrification facilities through a small biomass-based power plant, directly firing residues produced by the local economic activity. The objective of the paper is to make a proposal for a sustainable management model that is suitable for the community’s isolation conditions, considering the high costs with operation and maintenance related to the supply for isolated consumers in small locations. A simulation is conducted for the operation of the small biomass-based power plant; the generation costs are determined; the legal aspects are analyzed; and a suggestion for the management model is presented.

► Electrification of isolated consumers is a great challenge for utilities.
► Using local labor and resources allows lower energy costs for electrification.
► Creation of a specific legislation for utilities is required.
► Should be also implemented social activities together with electrification.