Brazil stands as a notable example in the movement towards clean electricity, deriving about 88% of its electricity from low-carbon sources. Over the last twelve months—from July 2024 to June 2025—the country's electricity generation has relied heavily on hydropower, accounting for more than half of the electricity supply at approximately 54%. Wind energy contributed significantly as well, providing 15% of the total electricity, while solar power added about 10%. Despite its relatively low share, nuclear energy plays an important role in maintaining a low-carbon profile, comprising about 2% of electricity generation. In stark contrast, fossil fuels, such as gas, coal, and oil, make up around 12% of electricity production. This clean energy achievement positions Brazil well for the future, although transitions in other sectors like transport, heating, and industry will demand substantial increases in electricity provision.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Brazil?
A review of recent trends in electricity consumption, however, suggests a slightly concerning stagnation in growth. The latest data shows that electricity consumption per person in 2025 is 3525 kWh, a small decline from the previous record of 3590 kWh per person in 2024. Similarly, the production of low-carbon electricity has decreased marginally, from 3116 kWh per person in 2024 to 3107 kWh per person in 2025. This decline of 65 kWh overall and 9 kWh in low-carbon electricity per capita indicates a pause in the upward growth trajectory needed to meet the future electrification needs. This stagnation is worrisome, especially as the country strives to boost its green energy supply to support growing demand across various sectors.
Suggestions
In response to this situation, Brazil should prioritize expanding its wind and solar capacities, given their current success and potential for growth. Wind energy and solar power are already making substantial contributions to the country's electricity mix, and their scalability offers a promising path to boost low-carbon electricity generation. Additionally, while hydropower remains a backbone of Brazil's electricity supply, diversifying efforts by integrating more solar and nuclear projects can stabilize and sustain the increase of clean energy production. Embracing these technologies will enable Brazil to not only maintain but expand its leadership in clean electricity, meeting future demand while mitigating the harmful impacts of fossil fuels.
History
Throughout its recent history, Brazil's low-carbon electricity generation landscape has witnessed dynamic changes, particularly in hydropower. The late 1970s through the early 2000s saw frequent increases in hydroelectric output, with notable jumps of around 14 TWh yearly. The early 2000s marked a period of instability, characterized by fluctuations in hydropower, notably a decline of 36.5 TWh in 2001 followed by subsequent years of recovery and growth. Post-2010, inconsistent hydropower outputs continued, with substantial declines in 2013, 2014, and 2021. Nevertheless, Brazil has increasingly turned towards wind and solar advancements, with substantial wind energy growth in 2021 and solar power gains in recent years. The push for new solar and wind projects indicates a strategic diversification from the historically heavy reliance on hydropower, complementing Brazil's admirable pursuit of low-carbon electricity. This focus on broadening its clean energy sources sets a strong foundation for future expansions.
