Understanding the Energy System of the Paulista Macro-metropolis: First Steps in Local Action towards Climate Change

This paper analyzes the historical trends in the energy supply and demand for the Macrometrópole Paulista Energy System, as well as the existing options for harnessing the renewable energy potential of the region. The research included a case study covering the 174 munici- palities that belong to the macro-metropolis to characterize the energy system from 2006 to 2017 while analyzing the CO2 emissions of the sys- tem. The results indicated that, in 2017, the Paulista macro-metropolis accounted for 73% of the total energy demand of the entire state of São Paulo. Moreover, considering the energy generated from within the administrative limits of the 174 municipalities, the macro-metropolis accounted for about 17% of the total installed capacity of the state for electricity generation. This study found that the installed capacity for electricity generation in the region can be increased by ~ 112%. There so, an understanding of the local energy systems is of utmost importance for the formulation of coherent and integrated public policies, which are necessary to cope with the effects of climate change.