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RADAR #003 | Infrastructure, Energy and Digital Inclusion

4 days ago
4 min read

New proposals for infrastructure planning in the Amazon, regulatory frameworks for electricity supply in isolated systems and funding to expand connectivity bring into focus a central challenge: turning public policies and investment into effective services across the region.



🔎 IN FOCUS | INFRASTRUCTURE & PLANNING


Brazil’s Federal Court of Accounts to consolidate proposals to improve infrastructure projects and services in the Amazon


Following a seminar held in Manaus, Brazil’s Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) announced that it will consolidate contributions aimed at improving the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects and services across the region. The resulting document will be submitted to the federal government’s transition team. Proposals include strengthening waterway transportation, adapting road projects to local geological and environmental conditions, and incorporating actual transportation and transshipment costs into public budgets.


Amazon On perspective: The debate on the additional costs of operating in the Amazon is moving beyond diagnosis toward the formulation of concrete proposals. Incorporating the region’s logistical and territorial specificities into planning can improve project quality, public spending efficiency and the delivery of services to the population.


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⚡ ENERGY & ISOLATED POWER SYSTEMS


1. 2027 energy auction to cover 31 locations across the Amazon

Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy has opened a public consultation on the guidelines for the 2027 Auction for Electricity Supply to Isolated Systems. The proposal includes eight lots, with approximately 123.66 MW of required capacity, to serve 31 locations across the states of Amazonas, Pará, Roraima, Rondônia and Acre, reaching an estimated population of 482,700 people. The draft guidelines establish a minimum 30% share of renewable energy in the contracted solutions. Contributions may be submitted until November 17.


Amazon On perspective: The auction is a strategic instrument for reducing dependence on diesel and increasing the share of renewable energy sources in locations not connected to Brazil’s National Interconnected System. Contract design and logistical feasibility will be decisive in ensuring the long-term quality and cost of electricity supply.



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📡 TELECOMMUNICATIONS & CONNECTIVITY


2. Anatel allocates R$46 million to connectivity and TV 3.0 projects

Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has approved the allocation of R$ 23 million will finance a new reverse auction to expand 4G or higher mobile coverage in small communities and along federal highways. The remaining R$23 million will support TV 3.0 technological infrastructure for public broadcasters. The first three mobile expansion auctions have already covered 235 locations, with a further 112 included in the fourth round.


Amazon On perspective: Allocating resources to smaller communities is particularly relevant in regions where limited economic incentives hinder network expansion. The next step will be to monitor the selection of eligible locations and assess how much of this new funding round will reach Amazonian territories.



3. Anatel proposes new regulations on accessibility and digital inclusion

Anatel has approved the opening of a 45-day public consultation on the General Regulation on Accessibility and Digital Inclusion (RGAID). The proposal expands accessibility requirements and incorporates digital inclusion guidelines targeting, among other groups, older people, women, Indigenous peoples, Black and Brown populations, and low-income communities. It also provides for plain-language measures, digital skills training and improvements to customer service channels.


Amazon On perspective: The discussion broadens the very concept of connectivity: making infrastructure available is not enough if part of the population cannot effectively use the services it enables. In the Amazon, cultural diversity, language barriers, income levels and distance from urban centers must all be factored into digital inclusion policies.


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🌿 CLIMATE, SCIENCE & RESILIENCE


4. El Niño could reach very strong levels, raising concerns for northern Brazil

The fifth bulletin of the 2026–2027 El Niño Panel, prepared by institutions including Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE), National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA) and National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN), indicates a high probability that the phenomenon will intensify to very strong levels from November onward. For the November 2026 to January 2027 period, the forecast points to a higher likelihood of below-average rainfall across much of Brazil’s Northern Region, along with temperatures above the normal range, particularly in that region.


Amazon On perspective: This outlook reinforces the need for advance planning to address potential impacts on rivers, navigation, water supply, electricity generation and the logistics of delivering services to communities. Monitoring and institutional coordination are essential to reducing vulnerabilities.



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📍 ON THE RADAR NEXT WEEK

  • Through November 11: Deadline for contributions to the public consultation on the Amazon Energies Program targets for 2030 and 2035.

  • Through November 17: Deadline for contributions to the guidelines for the 2027 Auction for Isolated Systems.

  • Coming weeks: Monitor Anatel’s public consultation on accessibility and digital inclusion, as well as the selection of locations that may receive mobile coverage through the newly allocated funds.

  • Climate: Follow meteorological and hydrological updates amid the forecast intensification of El Niño.


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