EP.172 Igor Fonseca, Head of Power, Project Finance, Santander
Dec 12, 2023
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This week on Energy Unplugged, Igor Fonseca, Head of Power, Santander Brazil Project Finance, discusses project finance in Brazil's power sector. Topics include the impact of the shift to the free market and the green transition plan on project financing and investment in Brazil, key risks for Brazilian power projects, and the role of state-funded institutions in project support and financial discipline.
State lenders in Brazil's power sector often share risks with other institutions, and recent regulatory changes have reduced their dominance, encouraging more private funding.
While low energy prices can affect project profitability in Brazil, factors like CAPEX reduction and interest rate fluctuations can counterbalance their impact, emphasizing the importance of considering the broader context and interplay of various factors.
Deep dives
The influence of state lenders in the Brazilian power sector is overrated
State lenders have played a dominant role in financing power projects in Brazil, but their influence is often exaggerated. While they have provided significant funding and support, private sector investment and international banks also contribute to the sector. The state lenders, such as BNDES, have leveraged subsidies and low-interest rates to attract private capital, but they often share the risk with other institutions. The role of state lenders is evolving, with recent regulatory changes reducing their dominance and encouraging more private funding.
The impact of low energy prices on investments in Brazil is overrated
While low energy prices have had an impact on investments in Brazil, their influence is often overrated. Other factors, such as capital expenditures (CAPEX) and interest rates, also play significant roles in investment decisions. Although low energy prices can affect project profitability, factors like CAPEX reduction and interest rate fluctuations can counterbalance their impact. It is important to consider the broader context and the interplay of various factors rather than solely focusing on energy prices.
The importance of batteries for Brazil is underrated
Batteries have been seen as relatively unimportant for the Brazilian power sector, but their importance is actually underrated. While Brazil's reliance on large hydro reservoirs as a form of "natural battery" is significant, the country's energy landscape is evolving. With increasing deployment of renewable energy and potential challenges in grid management, batteries can play a crucial role in addressing intermittent energy supply and improving grid stability. Batteries also have potential applications in demand management, peak shaving, and supporting renewable energy integration.
The sector risk in the Brazilian power sector is underrated
The sector risk in the Brazilian power sector is often underrated. Brazil has established a regulatory environment that has provided stability and trust for investors. While changes in rules and regulations have occurred, Brazil has maintained the principle of preserving existing investments made under old rules. The country's regulatory framework has earned the confidence of investors, particularly when compared to other countries in Latin America. Brazil's commitment to maintaining the integrity of investment decisions and the rule of law contributes to its underrated sector risk.
This week on Energy Unplugged, Igor Fonseca, Head of Power, Santander Brazil Project Finance discusses project finance in Brazil’s power sector with our Founder & CEO, John Feddersen.
Over the past 11 years, Igor has worked within Santander’s Project Finance team following his positions at HSBC and Credit Agricole. At Santander, Igor has been covering the Power sector, executing and arranging several financial advisory mandates. This has amounted to investments over USD 10 billion and a total installed capacity over 20 GW, including large hydros, gas-fired thermal power plants, wind farms, small hydros, photovoltaic and concentrated solar power plants in Brazil.
Main topics include the following:
• Project finance in Brazil • The impact of the shift to the free market and the green transition plan on project financing and investment in Brazil • Key risks for Brazilian power projects