Brazil has made significant strides in transforming its electricity landscape to become predominantly low-carbon, with a commendable 87% of its electricity now derived from clean sources. This includes substantial contributions from hydropower, which alone accounts for more than half of Brazil's electricity generation. Other notable low-carbon contributors include wind power providing almost 14%, solar energy at 9%, and nuclear energy at nearly 2%. The country’s reliance on fossil fuels has gradually diminished to about 11%, with gas making up the largest portion of this figure. The continued move towards low-carbon electricity is an impressive feat that positions Brazil as a global leader in sustainable energy. However, the next ambitious challenge will be to expand electricity generation to accommodate the electrification of various sectors, including transportation, heating, and industrial operations.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Brazil?
There are positive indications that electricity consumption in Brazil is on the rise. The latest data for 2024 reveal that each person consumes 3,590 kWh of electricity annually, which is a notable increase from the previous high of 3,355 kWh per person in 2023. This 235 kWh jump per person reflects Brazil’s ongoing efforts to boost electricity use in a growing economy. Furthermore, the generation of low-carbon electricity has also surged, with each person benefiting from 3,116 kWh per year, up from 3,003 kWh in 2023. This upward trend signifies not only the overall growth in electricity consumption but also highlights a robust increase in clean electricity generation, an encouraging sign for the future.
Suggestions
To augment its low-carbon electricity generation, Brazil should focus on further expanding its vast wind energy capacity, as this source already plays a fundamental role in the national energy mix. Additionally, an increased investment in solar and nuclear energy can offer substantial returns in enhancing Brazil’s electricity resilience, ensuring energy security while mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and air pollution—a major consequence of fossil fuel combustion. The development of solar and nuclear infrastructure will solidify Brazil's status as a beacon of sustainable energy, helping to meet the burgeoning demands of electrification and technological advancements.
History
Historically, Brazil has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity sector, particularly within hydropower. During the late 20th century and early years of the 21st century, the country underwent several dynamic phases of growth and contraction. Notably, significant hydroelectric increases were observed in the early 1980s and throughout the early 2000s. Yet, hydropower faced substantial declines, particularly in 2001, 2013, and 2021. Recent developments have witnessed a resurgence in clean electricity, with substantial growth in wind power beginning around 2021, as well as impressive advancements in solar energy, especially in the last couple of years. These shifts underscore the importance of diversifying Brazil’s energy sources and highlight the ever-evolving nature of the country’s electricity sector.
