Climate Action 2010-2011

SPECIAL FEATURE | Cemig
Clean energy
initiatives
Operating for 58 years in the market, Cemig is one of
the most solid and important groups in the Brazilian
power industry. The parent company of a conglomerate
of 62 companies and 10 consortia, Cemig manages a
portfolio of power generation, power transmission and
electricity distribution assets, in addition to natural gas
distribution and data transmission interests.
Cemig is the largest electricity distribution company in
Brazil – Market share: 12 per cent, and the third largest
power generation and transmission group – Market share:
seven per cent and 10 per cent, respectively. The company’s
long term goal is to attain a 20 per cent market share in
each of the power sectors. Cemig’s shares are traded on
stock exchanges in São Paulo, New York and Madrid.
Cemig is noteworthy for generating its power from
renewable sources. In 2009, 100 per cent of the power
generated was originated from renewable sources: 99 per
cent from hydroelectric plants and one per cent from wind
power and cogeneration plants. The company’s new projects
ensure its growth in terms of power generation utilising
renewable sources, especially hydro, wind and solar.
Focus on the climate
In 2009 Cemig obtained the highest score for Climate
Strategy from the Dow Jones Sustainability World
Index (DJSI World) in the global utilities sector. Cemig
undertakes specific actions aimed at the development of
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects, energy
efficiency programs, the construction of small hydroelectric
plants and research and development into renewable energy
sources. All the risks and opportunities related to climate
change are listed in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
CDM projects
These encompass power cogeneration projects using waste
gases generated in the industrial process at a steel mill
that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
Other projects identified by Cemig as opportunities
that may fit within the CDM include small hydroelectric
plants and the utilisation of new energy sources, which
are in process of approval and registration.
Energy efficiency
Through its energy efficiency programmes, in 2009
alone, Cemig managed to achieve a reduction in power
consumption of 27,765 MWh/year, which is enough power
to supply approximately 19,300 Brazilian residences.
Of special note is the Conviver Project, begun in 2006,
which is aimed at providing information to low income
consumers about energy efficiency measures. In 2009, the
project produced power savings of 3,476 MWh/year
through the donation of more efficient equipment, including
light bulbs, shower heads and refrigerators. In 2009, the
projects run by Efficientia, a company in the Cemig group,
made possible power savings of 24,029 MWh/year at the
facilities of industrial clients, which corresponds to the
annual consumption of approximately 16,700 residences.
Small hydroelectric plants
Through the Minas PCH Program, Cemig has been
expanding its power generation system through the
construction and installation of small hydroelectric plants
in partnership with other companies in the private sector.
Wind power
Cemig was the first Brazilian electric utility to operate a
wind farm connected to its electric system, the Morro do
Camelinho Wind Farm, in 1994. In 2009 Cemig acquired a
49 per cent equity stake in three wind farms in the northeast
region of the country, totaling 99.6 MW. The company has
been progressing in this area through the identification of
other promising sites for the installation of wind generators.
Solar energy
Cemig has installed photovoltaic systems at many
residences in remote regions of the state and solar
collectors at low income housing projects to heat water,
which is producing a reduction in energy consumption of
roughly 30 per cent and greater efficiency in its usage.
Development of new energy sources
Cemig has invested in research and development of new
energy sources with projects related to biomass, biodiesel,
hydrogen and fuel cells. In 2009, Cemig tested and
incorporated into its fleet four automobiles powered by
electric energy, giving continuity to this research project.
Tel: +55 313 506 4020 Website: www.cemig.com.br
www.climateactionprogramme.org | 59 |