The US Trade & Development Agency has awarded a grant to the Brazilian Association of Electricity Distributors (Abradee) for technical assistance to enable large-scale smart grid deployment throughout Brazil.

“USTDA’s assistance will support Abradee’s efforts to create an enabling environment for smart grid technologies,” said Enoh Ebong, USTDA’s acting director. “Ultimately, this effort will help transform how electricity is distributed to the majority of Brazil’s consumers. Our support for this activity reflects USTDA’s commitment to advancing smart and sustainable energy in Brazil, in partnership with US industry.”

USTDA’s technical assistance will assess public policy and economic regulation models to facilitate investments and encourage the modernisation of electricity distribution networks across the country. Abradee members represent 41 private and public electric distribution companies in Brazil, operating in all regions of the country, and serving 99.8% of Brazilian consumers.

“USTDA’s grant will provide Brazilian electricity distributors an opportunity to collaborate with US industry and observe how the USA has developed smart grids and regulatory best practices,” said Abradee president Marcos Madureira. “This will allow us to anticipate potential challenges and identify solutions that will work for Brazil.”

This technical assistance supports the international climate and economic cooperation priorities of the US government, including USTDA’s Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure and the USA-Brazil Energy Forum.