Distributed Energy Resources, Aggregators, and Virtual Power Plants: How Energy Storage Fits into the Evolution of DERs

Ayrlw Maynyson de Carvalho Arcanjo is a researcher at the Edson Mororó Moura Institute (ITEMM), with over 10 years of experience in the electric power sector. An electrical engineer with a master's degree and currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), he works on the development and implementation of energy storage solutions, with a focus on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), the integration of distributed energy resources, and the modernization of electric grids. His experience includes the sizing and specification of energy storage systems, technical evaluation of suppliers, acceptance testing, commissioning, and project validation, as well as technical and economic analyses and the development of business models for BESS applications. He is currently focused on advancing technologies that contribute to the flexibility, resilience, and decarbonization of the electricity sector.

Mariana Galhardo is a Senior Partner at G2A Consultores with over 22 years of experience in the energy and financial markets. She holds a degree in Business Administration from PUC Campinas, an MBA and a Master's degree from UNIFEI, and specializations in Project Management (FACAMP) and Government Relations (INSPER).She began her career in the financial sector, working at major institutions such as Banco Itaú, Banco do Brasil, IDB (Inter-American Development Bank), and Opportunity, always focused on new business development. Since 2005, she has held executive roles across all segments of the energy industry-generation, trading, transmission, and distribution-leading teams at Neoenergia (Elektro), Renova, Serena (Omega), and Alupar.In 2017, she transitioned to entrepreneurship, advising clients such as Grupo Ultragaz, the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Eletrosul, Pronto Energy, Grupo Colibri, and Atlas on project analysis and new ventures. At G2A, she currently leads new business acquisition and due diligence projects. Additionally, she serves as the Coordinator of the Regulation Working Group at ABSAE, Vice-Coordinator of the Storage Working Group at Absolar, and Director of Careers and Entrepreneurship at ABME (Association of Women in Energy).

With 29 years of experience in the electricity sector, she joined the National Electricity System Operator when it was founded, where she built a solid career in technical and management positions. At the end of 2017, she took over the Executive Management of Electricity Planning at the ONS, where she is responsible for the entire planning chain for the operation of the National Interconnected System (SIN). In 2024, she took over as Executive Advisor to the ONS Planning Board, supporting the Director in the management of the country's Engineering, Electrical and Energy Planning areas. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she graduated in Electrical Engineering from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. She has specialization and post-graduate degrees in Power Systems from the Federal University of Itajubá, in Economic Engineering and Industrial Administration from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and a MBA in Management Development from IAG Executive Education at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro.

Caroline Chantre Ramos has been an Analyst at the Economic and Energy Studies Department of the Brazilian Energy Research Office (EPE) since 2023, where she develops economic and regulatory studies focused on distributed energy resources. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), a Master's degree in Public Policy, Strategy and Development from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF).

Raphael Eckmann is a Director at Athon Capital and a Board Member of Athon Energia S.A., one of Brazil's largest solar distributed generation consolidation platforms, with over 200 MWp. With extensive executive experience in energy investments and infrastructure at institutions such as BTG Pactual and Tarpon, Raphael is at the forefront of innovation in the electric power sector. He currently serves as coordinator of ABSAE's Distributed Energy Resources (REDs) Working Group, leading strategic initiatives on the future of distributed generation and energy storage systems in Brazil. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Mackenzie Presbyterian University and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.