Brazil already gets almost 86% of its electricity from low-carbon sources—a major achievement. Over the 12 months from June 2025 to May 2026, hydropower supplied just over half of electricity consumption, followed by wind at about 15%, solar at 11%, biofuels at 7%, and nuclear at nearly 2%. Fossil fuels supplied the remaining 14%, mainly gas at about 11%, with coal contributing roughly 3% and oil 1%. The next challenge is to electrify transport, heating, and industry, which will require much more clean electricity while reducing fossil-fuel use, climate impacts, and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Brazil?

Electricity consumption per person is broadly flat rather than growing beyond its previous peak. The latest 2026 figure is 3,584 kWh per person, just 6 kWh below the record of 3,590 set in 2024. Low-carbon electricity generation reached 3,067 kWh per person, about 50 kWh below its 2024 record of 3,116. These small shortfalls are concerning: Brazil needs sustained growth in clean electricity to support electrification and rising demand, including from AI.

Suggestions

Brazil can increase low-carbon electricity generation by expanding wind and solar, both of which already supply substantial amounts of its electricity. More solar installations and wind farms, supported by stronger transmission networks and electricity storage, would help deliver additional clean power across the country. Brazil should also consider expanding nuclear generation alongside solar and wind, strengthening its supply of low-carbon electricity as demand grows.

History

Brazil’s low-carbon electricity history shows substantial growth alongside fluctuations in hydropower. Hydro generation increased by about 15 TWh in 1984, then fell by roughly 37 TWh in 2001 before rebounding with annual gains of around 15–20 TWh from 2002 through 2005. Further strong increases followed in 2007, 2009, and 2011, each adding about 21–25 TWh. Hydro declined by roughly 24 TWh in 2013 and 18 TWh in 2014, recovered in 2016 and 2018, and fell again by 33 TWh in 2021, when wind added 15 TWh. A particularly large hydro rebound of about 64 TWh came in 2022. Solar then added about 20 TWh in 2023 and 19 TWh in 2024, while wind added 14 TWh in 2023—encouraging progress in diversifying clean electricity generation. Hydro’s roughly 24 TWh decline in 2025 underscores the importance of continuing that expansion.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jun 2025 – May 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.