Universal Electricity Access in Remote Areas Building a pathway toward universalization in the Brazilian Amazon

Sammanfattning: Worldwide, policymakers face important challenges in relation to the provision of reliable electricity services in remote areas. Brazil is not an exception. The Brazilian rural electrification initiative Luz Para Todos – LPT (Light for All) has attracted attention internationally due to its ambitious targets and significant achievements in a relatively short period. The initiative has proved effective in its first phase, which has been developed through the extension of the grid. However, there are still important challenges in connection with the operationalization of LPT in remote areas.The ultimate objective of this research is to propose a pathway to facilitate the achievement of universal electricity access in remote areas within the context of the Brazilian Amazon. The analysis was developed using a Mixed Methods Research (MMR) involving tools such as Causal Loops Diagrams (Consideo Modeller ®) and the energy modeling software for Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HOMER ®).This thesis addresses three key questions. The first question is concerned with the strengths and weaknesses of the national rural electrification initiative. The second question investigates institutional, technology and funding structures that specifically support the Brazilian rural electrification initiative in remote areas. The third question involves the identification of leverage points within these structures.The study concluded that the existing LPT scheme is not capable of achieving full electricity access in remote areas of the Brazilian Amazon. Important challenges remain when it comes to providing the service to inhabitants of these areas. There is a need to i) adapt the existing institutional structures; ii) harmonize technologies within the regional context and, iii) use government funds more effectively. In line with these challenges, identified leverage points indicate that i) rules guiding the relationship among new agents and communities; ii) implementation of small-scale power generation technologies based on local resources; and iii) optimized subsidies are essential to achieve universalization goals in remote areas.The research proposes a new pathway to activate the identified leverage points within the institutional, technology, and funding structures of LPT. The pathway requires well-informed decision making for the implementation and operation of off-grid solutions that can help to cover the last mile. Within this context, results of the study are expected to provide insights for policymakers, technology providers, project developers, researchers, and communities in general as they seek to increase electricity access in remote areas.