Brazil stands out as a shining example of clean electricity generation, with more than 88% of its electricity being sourced from low-carbon options. This achievement places it at the forefront of global efforts to reduce carbon footprints through sustainable energy practices. Within this mix, hydropower is the dominant source, contributing more than half of the total electricity, while wind power adds nearly a sixth to the grid. Solar energy, marked by its rapid rise in recent years, is becoming a significant contributor with close to a tenth of the total, proving its potential in the sunny regions of Brazil. While fossil sources such as gas and coal contribute less than 17%, they are still a concern that needs to be addressed to achieve a fully sustainable energy future. As Brazil looks to electrify transport, heating, and industry, the demand for electricity will surge, highlighting the importance of expanding the existing clean infrastructure.
Is Electricity Growing in Brazil?
Electricity consumption in Brazil is on an upward trajectory, suggesting an encouraging shift towards greater use of electric solutions across various sectors. The per capita electricity consumption has recently increased by 167 kWh, reaching 3601 kWh/person, indicating growth from the previous year's record. This positive change is mirrored in the generation of low-carbon electricity, which rose by 111 kWh/person over the same period, totaling 3171 kWh/person. Such growth is a positive sign that Brazil is embracing its vast potential in low-carbon technologies to ensure cleaner electricity meets the rising demand. Nevertheless, the path forward requires more aggressive action to accelerate this growth and cater to the future needs posed by broader electrification.
Suggestions
To support the increasing electricity requirements sustainably, Brazil should focus on enhancing and expanding its low-carbon energy generation, especially with technologies like wind and solar, which have already demonstrated significant potential and growth. Expanding wind farms, particularly in the areas with favorable wind conditions, could significantly boost electricity supply due to their established competence in clean generation. Moreover, embracing solar energy with greater enthusiasm could help harness the vast, untapped solar potential across the land. Alongside solar, investing in nuclear energy infrastructure can play a pivotal role in providing large-scale, stable, and clean power, balancing the intermittency of wind and solar sources. This strategic focus will ensure that Brazil continues to lead in low-carbon electricity while safeguarding its energy future against the environmental impacts of fossil fuels.
History
In reviewing Brazil's history of low-carbon electricity, the decades have seen a dynamic journey. The late 1970s and early 1980s witnessed a strong push in hydropower development with consistent year-on-year growth. However, the country faced notable setbacks in 2001 and 2013 when hydropower generation saw significant declines. Despite these challenges, the resilience of Brazil's low-carbon strategy can be observed in the substantial recovery seen in hydro capacity from 2022 onward. Recently, solar and wind energies have added new momentum to this journey. The last few years—from 2021 to 2024—highlight the rapid advances in solar generation with significant increases year after year, while recent growth in wind has also been noteworthy. These developments underscore Brazil's commitment to a sustainable electricity future, setting a benchmark for the rest of the world.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.