Brazil’s energy sector has reached a significant milestone, with the country’s installed electricity generation capacity surpassing 210 gigawatts (GW) in April. This achievement is supported by over 24,000 power plants in commercial operation, showcasing a robust and expanding energy landscape. Data from the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL)’s Generation Information System (SIGA) highlights this continued growth, with renewable sources playing a dominant role in the nation’s power generation.
A Deep Dive into Brazil’s Energy Matrix
Hydropower continues to be the cornerstone of Brazil’s electricity supply, with hydroelectric plants accounting for 103.2 GW (48.76% of the total). This is further supplemented by small hydroelectric plants contributing 5.89 GW (2.80%) and central hydroelectric generating plants adding 874.02 megawatts (MW) (0.41%).
While hydropower leads, other sources make significant contributions:
- Thermal Power Plants: These facilities provide 47.07 GW (22.82%) of the installed electricity capacity.
- Wind Power: Wind farms have become a major player, offering 33.74 GW (15.91%).
- Centralized Solar Power: Solar energy is on a strong upward trajectory, contributing 17.67 GW (8.37%).
- Nuclear Power Plants: Nuclear facilities account for 1.99 GW (0.94%) of the total.
Recent Expansion Highlights Strong Growth Trajectory
The first four months of the year saw an impressive growth of 1,916.08 MW in Brazil’s electricity matrix. In April alone, new generators across eight plants began commercial operations, adding a total of 141.09 MW to the grid. This included six wind farms in Bahia (85.50 MW), the Codora biomass thermal power plant in Goiás (50.00 MW), and the Boa Vista Small Hydroelectric Plant in Santa Catarina (5.60 MW).
Throughout January to April, 49 new power plants commenced operations across 11 states in all five regions of the country. Mato Grosso do Sul led this expansion with an additional 437.13 MW, closely followed by Bahia with 428.70 MW. Focusing solely on April, Bahia demonstrated the largest growth in installed capacity (85.50 MW from new wind farms), with Goiás following due to the commissioning of the UTE Codora biomass plant (50.00 MW).
Renewable Energy: The Backbone of Brazil’s Power Generation
A striking feature of Brazil’s energy landscape is its commitment to clean energy. According to ANEEL’s SIGA, which is updated daily with data from operational plants and authorized projects under construction, an impressive 85.06% of Brazil’s power plants are classified as renewable. This underscores the nation’s leadership in sustainable energy production.
For those seeking more detailed insights into the expansion of centralized electricity supply, ANEEL offers the RALIE panel. This intuitive tool provides comprehensive information on the growth of the electricity matrix, allowing users to filter data by year, region, energy source type, and other criteria. The RALIE panel aims to enhance interactivity and provide more detailed information on generation projects, with monthly updates based on on-site inspections and data from the Electricity Generation Project Monitoring Report (Rapeel).
This continued growth and strong emphasis on renewable sources position Brazil as a key player in the global transition towards cleaner energy systems. The consistent expansion of its installed capacity ensures a reliable energy supply to support its economic development while upholding its commitment to sustainability.