The latest Study Book of the 2034 Ten-Year Energy Expansion Plan (PDE 2034) , prepared by the Energy Research Company (EPE), provides a detailed overview of the investments needed to expand the electricity transmission system in Brazil by 2034. This study provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities in the sector, focusing on the growing demands for Data Centers and hydrogen , in addition to projecting a significant expansion of the transmission infrastructure. The document seeks to provide greater transparency in energy planning, addressing both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios, and highlighting a reference scenario to guide future actions.
Expansion of the Transmission System and Necessary Investments
The PDE 2034 projects a significant investment of R$128.6 billion for the construction of 30,000 km of new transmission lines and 82,000 MVA in new substations by 2034. This amount will be crucial to ensure the expansion of the National Interconnected System (SIN) , essential to meet the growing and diversified demand for energy throughout the country. The EPE study adopts a reference scenario that balances optimism and prudence, foreseeing the most likely needs for the sector.
The expansion of the transmission grid will not only ensure the country's energy security, but will also allow the integration of new sources of renewable generation. The Northeast, for example, has received special attention as a hub for wind and solar generation, and the projection is that an additional 10 GW of renewable energy will be integrated into the grid in this region. In addition, the study includes increasing the capacity to import energy to the South, expanding the integration between the regions by 4 GW and promoting greater system stability.
Meeting the Demands of Data Centers and Hydrogen
Technological advances and digital transformation in various sectors of the economy are driving demand for data centers , which are critical structures for large-scale data storage and processing. PDE 2034 recognizes this growing demand and includes in its planning the projected growth of these loads, considering the significant impact that these data centers will have on the country's electrical infrastructure. Forecasts indicate steady growth in the medium to long term, which requires a robust and well-planned expansion of the transmission system.
Another key point addressed in the study is hydrogen , which is considered one of the main bets for the global energy transition. Brazil, with its highly renewable electricity matrix, is emerging as a promising market for the development of the low-carbon hydrogen industry . The PDE 2034 foresees a significant demand for energy to supply hydrogen production plants, especially in the Northeast. The region, already recognized for its renewable generation capacity, is the focus of new projects that could transform Brazil into a major exporter of green hydrogen.
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