Energy Efficiency and Heat Generation an Integrated Analysis of the Brazilian Energy Mix

Abstract

The Brazilian model for power generation presents very particular characteristics when compared to other countries in the world. Its great hydropower units allowed the country to indiscriminately use electricity for obtaining heat. However, this electricity can now be replaced by different energy sources of chemical origin. This research aimed to identify the distortion in the Brazilian energy mix, as well as to assess the potential for primary energy saving bound to be obtained by replacing electricity by final energy transformed into useful energy through combustion, instead of orienting it to electric power generation. Estimations were conducted on the replacement of electricity by natural gas in thermal end-uses of the different consumer sectors. Moreover, a comparative analysis was conducted on the energy mixes among the different countries in the world, concerning useful energy in the form of heat, so as to estimate the electric power percentage that could be replaced in Brazil and the amount of energy destined to an equivalent combustion chemical reaction. The possible environmental gains deriving from such a replacement were also analyzed. The results obtained show the relevance of the theme and the impact that could be attained by the rational use of energy.