2017 Retrospective: Future of Itaipu discussion and electric car exhibit mark last Energy in Focus of 2017

On December 6, FGV Energy welcomed the General Director of Itaipu Binacional Luiz Fernando Leone Vianna. This was the last event of the series ‘Energy in Focus – Strategies and Challenges for the Future’ in 2017. In addition to the lecture, in which the guest spoke about the hydroelectric power generation market, the event also presented the Twizzy electric vehicle in the esplanade of FGV’s main office in Rio de Janeiro.

During the opening ceremony, the Director of FGV Energy, Carlos Quintella, pointed out the importance of developing low-carbon technologies such as the Twizzy – a 100% electric vehicle. According to Quintella, we need to start thinking about these new technologies and electric vehicles will inevitably overrun the automobile market in the future.

“Even the smallest effort in the energy matrix to promote a better Brazil, for a better world, with less combustion and less pollution, is better for everybody,” he said.

Next, researcher Tatiana Bruce briefly presented the study ‘Electric Cars’ developed by FGV Energy. She spoke specifically about the Twizzy – the result of a partnership between Renault and Itaipu, which can run independently for 100 km.

“This is an example of how FGV Energy and Itaipu are helping each other develop electric mobility in Brazil. We started researching electric cars because this will change the way we consume energy. They are important because we need to de-carbonize the transport industry. This is the natural evolution of automotive technology,” said Bruce.

The guest of this edition of the event spoke about the importance of Itaipu for Brazil and Paraguay. He pointed out that the power plant is a success case when it comes to regional integration, with a broad range of benefits, particularly the optimization of energy resources. He also presented the power plant’s operational data and the pursuit for efficient resource use.

“As of 2012, the use percentage of available water reached a high of over 97% – above this year’s 90% average,” said Vianna.

The Executive also talked about Itaipu’s commitment towards sustainability. He explained that the company changed its mission in 2003 to include sustainable development, concerns about the environment, and social responsibility. He presented some projects led by the bi-national, such as ‘Cultivating good water,’ in addition to social and environmental projects.

Finally, Vianna spoke about the power plant’s challenges. He talked about the possible privatization of Eletrobras and assured that it will not happen, as it is governed by the Itaipu Treaty, signed by the governments of Brazil and Paraguay. The Executive Director of Itaipu concluded by stating that the company is in the process of rapprochement with the Brazilian Electric System (SEB), but pointed out that Brazil needs to start planning to replace the energy from Itaipu. He also said that Itaipu’s contribution to the SEB should decrease because of increased consumption in Paraguay and the necessary technological update of the power plant. According to him, some pieces of equipment have been operating for more than 30 years, and many analog instruments are still used at the plant. The update to digitize and automate the power plant should be completed across a 10-year span.

FGV Energy has been hosting the series of lectures ‘Energy in Focus’ since 2014, featuring senior management professionals from the energy industry. The goal is to discuss the political, economic, and technological challenges for the industry’s development in Brazil.