Electricity in Brazil in 2023/2024

Brazil has made impressive strides in its electricity sector, with more than 91.52% of its electricity now generated from low-carbon sources. The majority of this clean energy comes from hydropower, which accounts for over 60% of the national supply. Wind and solar contribute significantly as well, providing 13.41% and 8.53%, respectively. Fossil energy sources, including gas and coal, make up a smaller fraction, totaling around 8.48%. Biofuels and nuclear energy add another layer of green energy, although biofuels can be controversial. Nuclear, in particular, accounts for 1.93%, demonstrating a good mix of sustainable energy. The key challenge now is to expand electricity generation to support other sectors like transport, heating, and industry, which will demand much more power.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Brazil should consider expanding its wind power capacity. Wind energy is already a significant contributor at 13.41% of the current mix. Brazil's vast coastlines and favorable wind conditions make it a strong candidate for further expansion in this area. Solar energy, too, has witnessed substantial growth and offers another promising avenue for development. Additionally, investing in nuclear energy could provide a stable and continuous source of clean power, helping to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Facilitating these advancements can help Brazil maintain its energy leadership while addressing the increasing demand for clean electricity in other sectors.

History

Historically, Brazil’s commitment to low-carbon electricity has evolved notably. In the early 1980s, hydropower saw substantial growth, with an increase of nearly 17 TWh in 1984. However, the early 2000s were a period of fluctuation for hydropower. A significant decline of 36.5 TWh in 2001 was followed by a recovery with increases in subsequent years, such as 18.2 TWh in 2002 and 19.5 TWh in 2003. In the 2010s, Brazil continued to see ups and downs; for instance, hydropower declined by 24.4 TWh in 2013 but rose by 25 TWh in 2011 and again by 21.2 TWh in 2016. Recently, in 2021, Brazil faced a significant hydropower reduction of 33.6 TWh, but this was offset by gains in other areas like wind energy, which saw a notable increase of 15.2 TWh. By 2023, solar energy also surged with an increase of 21.3 TWh, and wind energy continued its rise with a 13.9 TWh boost. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of Brazil's journey toward a cleaner electricity grid.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources