Fonte: ANEEL
ANEEL (Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency), the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and FINEP – Brazilian Innovation Agency – released the preliminary result of the Inova Energia Program. 117 leading companies were empowered to submit business plans in the next step, with a potential demand of R$7.8 billion. The total of approved projects is greater than the volume of resources initially available for the program, at R$3 billion, which demonstrates the success of the initiative.
 
The program, named Support Plan for Technology Innovation in the Electricity Sector, was launched in April 2013. Of the total amount, R$1.2 billion is from FINEP, R$1.2 billion from BNDES, and R$600 million from ANEEL. This first stage of the process aimed to choose proposals that did not fit the rules and objectives of the program, although they may be supported by other instruments.
 
The plan aims to foster business plans that include research, development, engineering and technology absorption activities; production and sale of products and processes; and innovative services. The thematic areas are as follows: Smart Grids (Smart Grids) and Ultra-High Voltage (UAT) Transmission; Power Generation by Alternatives Source; Hybrid Vehicles; and Vehicle Energy Efficiency.
 
A workshop will be held, with a date to be set, at which business leaders will receive guidance on the preparation of business plans. In the coming days, leading companies and the Scientific Technology Institutions (ICT) with proposals approved will be given a roadmap for development of the plan. The presentation of the business plan should specify innovations planned for the assessment committee, consisting of members of FINEP, BNDES, and ANEEL. Based on this exposure, the three institutions will indicate the most appropriate financial alternatives for each proposal, which may be financing, equity participation, nonrefundable support, or a combination of these instruments. (FS/PG)