Hewerton Martins, Founding President of the Free Solar Movement for Energy Channel.

Energy Channel: Hewerton, thank you for accepting our invitation for this exclusive interview. To start, how do you assess the current moment of solar energy in Brazil, especially in light of Bill 624/2023, which establishes the Basic Energy Income Program (Rebe)?

Hewerton Martins, Founding President of the Free Solar Movement for Energy Channel.

Hewerton Martins: It is a moment of great opportunities and challenges. Solar energy has established itself as a viable solution for the energy transition and for democratizing access to energy in Brazil. Bill 624/2023 is an important advancement because it seeks to integrate low-income families into the renewable energy ecosystem. However, the challenges of regulation, fund management, and internal conflicts within the government need to be addressed for the program to be truly effective.

Energy Channel: One of the most controversial points of Bill 624 is the centralization of management at ENBPar. What is your opinion on this?

Hewerton Martins: This centralization at ENBPar is something that needs to be evaluated very carefully. Although it is a public company with technical potential, there are concerns about conflicts of interest and the efficiency in executing the program. Our experience in the sector shows that the leadership of cooperatives, local associations, and regional entrepreneurs tends to generate quicker results that are aligned with the realities of the communities. ENBPar should have a coordinating role but should not be the sole manager.

Energy Channel: The Bill also prohibits the participation of energy distribution concessionaires and permissionaires. How do you view this decision?

Hewerton Martins: This prohibition is consistent with the objective of diversifying sector agents and preventing market concentration. Distributors play a fundamental role in the energy system, but distributed generation is a field that needs autonomy to grow. Limiting their involvement in Rebe ensures space for new initiatives, such as solar cooperatives, which have already demonstrated great capacity for organization and social impact.

Energy Channel: What is the Free Solar Movement and other organizations you lead doing to contribute to the regulation and implementation of projects like Rebe?

Hewerton Martins: We are working on several fronts. In the Free Solar Movement, we promote technical debates and dialogues with legislators to ensure that the project meets the needs of communities and the sector. The Solar Alliance and the State Fronts for Distributed Generation have been fundamental in articulating regional actions and defending the interests of small and medium agents. Our focus is to ensure that the program is inclusive, sustainable, and efficient.

Energy Channel: What are the next steps to strengthen distributed generation and solar energy in Brazil?

Hewerton Martins: We need clear regulation that encourages investments and simplifies access to technology. Additionally, programs like Rebe should be expanded, with inclusive financing mechanisms and a robust professional training plan. The future of solar energy in Brazil lies in decentralization, innovation, and the integration of the most vulnerable communities into the energy market.

Energy Channel: To conclude, what is your message for the sector and consumers who wish to adopt solar energy?

Hewerton Martins: Solar energy is more than just a technology; it is a social and environmental transformation. For the sector, my message is: let us stay united and determined to overcome challenges. And for consumers, I say that distributed generation is the way to a more sustainable and accessible future. The Free Solar Movement will always stand by those who believe in this change.

This interview was granted by Hewerton Martins to Energy Channel and marks an important step in covering the challenges and opportunities in the Brazilian solar sector.

Exclusive interview with Hewerton Martins, Founding President of the Free Solar Movement for Energy Channel.

Hewerton Martins, Founding President of the Free Solar Movement for Energy Channel.