Dilma: electricity sector was "a mess"
“People, perhaps misinformed and unaware, said that Brazil was going to have rationing. They are completely wrong. In fact, they will stop saying that, because there are no arguments against reality. Therefore, I want to say two things in this area: electricity bills will indeed be reduced. Second, there will be no shortage of energy for this country to grow,” said the president during the inauguration of the Sergipe Wind Farm.
Valter Lima _special for 247 - President Dilma Rousseff (PT) stated this Tuesday, the 29th, in Barra dos Coqueiros (SE), during the inauguration of the Sergipe Wind Farm, that the security of the Brazilian energy matrix has greatly improved in the last decade. “In the past, we had an electricity sector that, when needed, couldn't import energy from the South to the Northeast, nor transport energy from the North to the Southeast. It was a mess. Today we have 121 megawatts of energy and we will double this number in fifteen years,” she said.
According to Dilma, "what needs to be clear is that Brazil has enough energy to grow." The president also sent a message to the opposition and the press. "People, perhaps misinformed and unaware, said that Brazil would have rationing. They are completely wrong. They will even stop saying that because there are no arguments against reality. Therefore, I want to say two things in this area: the electricity bill will be reduced, yes. Second, there will be no shortage of energy for this country to grow," she concluded.
Dilma also emphasized that this year the country will break a record in increasing its energy capacity. "In terms of energy generation, there will be 8,5 megawatts. And around 7,4 kilometers of transmission lines will come into operation," she stressed. According to the president, 2013 will be a year of "great growth in opportunities" for Brazil. "It will be the year to see everything we have done during the last two years mature," she said.
Sergipe Wind Farm
The Sergipe Wind Power Plant, a project of the Engevix group, is the result of a $56 million loan from the China Development Bank (CDB). It will have the capacity to produce 34,5 megawatts, enough energy to supply a city of 120 inhabitants. This energy is produced by wind turbines installed on 23 towers, each 100 meters high.
UEE Barra dos Coqueiros sold its energy in Brazil's first exclusive wind energy auction. The energy will be contracted by the Chamber of Electric Energy Commercialization (CCEE) as reserve energy for a period of 20 years.
The governor of Sergipe, Marcelo Déda, emphasized the importance of the project for the state. "Brazil is a country that offers energy security. Following the same line, Sergipe produces thermoelectric energy, ethanol, and 14,44% of the Northeast's electricity. Now, we will contribute to reducing global warming with the generation of clean energy," he said.
"Having energy means ensuring the country grows. And the wind farm, besides generating clean energy, is a beautiful thing to see. Sergipe is contributing to Brazil's energy reserves. With this additional contribution from the Sergipe wind farm, Brazil has enough energy to ensure the great growth of opportunities," Dilma highlighted.