Petrobras announced on Mar. 20 that it has contracted two of its thermal power plants in the third Capacity Reserve Auction (LRCAP 03/2026), which was held by the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) and the Electric Energy Commercialization Chamber (CCEE), with technical support from the Energy Research Company (EPE).
The auction focused on contracting capacity from power plants fueled by diesel oil, fuel oil, and biodiesel. This move follows Petrobras’s participation in the second Capacity Reserve Auction earlier in the week, where it contracted eight thermal power plants.
With these results, Petrobras has secured contracts for nine thermal power plants across both auctions, totaling about 2.6 gigawatts of firm capacity for Brazil’s National Interconnected System between 2026 and 2031. The company said this performance demonstrates “the competitiveness and reliability of its thermoelectric park, reinforcing its commitment to the country’s energy security and a just energy transition.” Petrobras also stated that “the result also ensures the necessary remuneration for assets to be available to the electricity sector during the contract period.” The estimated annual fixed revenue from both auctions is approximately R$4.45 billion.
According to Petrobras, its thermoelectric portfolio consists of 13 plants, all contracted with the electricity sector for periods established by their respective products. These facilities have a combined capacity of 4.9 gigawatts, which is enough to supply around 21 million homes.
The recent contracts are expected to strengthen Petrobras’s role in supporting Brazil’s energy system while contributing to ongoing efforts toward a secure and fair energy transition.
