The Brazilian government has issued a new decree establishing the National Policy for Transmission System Access (PNAST). The measure modernises the rules governing how power generators and large consumers connect to the country’s Main Transmission Grid, introducing a new planning logic designed to increase the capacity of the National Interconnected System (SIN) and support both the energy transition and a new wave of strategic industrial investment.
Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, emphasised the policy’s relevance for the country’s long-term energy strategy. “Brazil needed a modern and competitive model capable of providing certainty for planning and investment. PNAST shows the world that Brazil is leading the energy transition and is ready to attract the new green economy. We are streamlining grid access, ensuring efficiency and resilience, and strengthening the future of our power system,” he said.
Developed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) in dialogue with energy-sector stakeholders and federal agencies, PNAST responds to the rapid growth of renewable energy, particularly wind power and solar PV, as well as the accelerated expansion of Brazil’s Free Contracting Environment (ACL) since 2019. More recently, access requests from large industrial projects—such as low-carbon hydrogen hubs and data centres—have dominated the queue, with demand reaching hundreds or even thousands of megawatts in high-load regions.
A shift from “first-come, first-served” to competitive Access Seasons
PNAST completely reorganises the grid-access process by introducing “Access Seasons”, replacing the traditional first-come, first-served queue with a batch evaluation system based on technical and competitive criteria. The aim is to ensure efficient use of transmission capacity, improve predictability for investors and provide Brazil’s system planners with a more realistic picture of future demand on the National Interconnected System (SIN).
Access Seasons will occur at least twice per year and will apply only in areas where requested transmission capacity exceeds available grid capacity.
The first Access Season is expected in October 2026. Until then, the National System Operator (ONS) will evaluate pre-decree access requests and issue final Access Opinions, completing the transition away from the legacy queue model.
Strengthening the role of the Energy Research Company
The policy also reinforces the role of the Energy Research Company (EPE)—a technical body linked to the MME—which will use Access Season outcomes to guide future transmission expansions. The decree introduces additional safeguards such as financial guarantees, mechanisms to review previously declared demand, and the possibility of competitive processes for contracting future transmission capacity or voluntarily releasing previously reserved capacity. These instruments aim to limit speculative behaviour and reduce investment risk.
Dedicated treatment for large industrial loads
A key innovation is the introduction of specific procedures for large industrial consumers. Given the sharp rise in connection requests from low-carbon hydrogen plants and data centres since 2023, the decree mandates dedicated expansions of the Main Transmission Grid to enable strategic industrial connections. This approach accelerates decision-making and aligns transmission planning with Brazil’s ongoing green reindustrialisation strategy.
Grid planning aligned with the energy transition
By aligning grid access with strategic transmission expansion, PNAST paves the way for integrating new renewable energy clusters, connecting major industrial off-takers and enhancing overall system reliability.
With the implementation of PNAST, the Ministry of Mines and Energy launches a new chapter in the organisation of access to Brazil’s Main Transmission Grid—expanding connection capacity for low-carbon industries, accelerating the growth of renewable energy, and laying the groundwork for a more efficient and robust power system prepared for the challenges of the next decade.
For further details, access the official Q&A on the National Policy for Transmission System Access.
