Brazil's electricity landscape is commendably green, with more than 85% of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources, a significant achievement in the global race towards sustainability. Over half of Brazil's electricity is generated through hydropower, showcasing its reliance on this traditional clean energy source. Complementing this are wind and solar power, providing almost a third of the electricity mix combined, which highlights the country's successful integration of newer renewable technologies into its grid. On the other hand, fossil fuels still account for roughly 14% of electricity generation, which includes contributions from gas and coal. Despite their smaller shares, these fossil fuel sources need to be further diminished to minimize environmental impacts like climate change and air pollution as Brazil works towards electrifying its transport, heating, and industrial sectors, inevitable steps to meet future energy demands.

Is Electricity Growing in Brazil?

Currently, Brazil's electricity consumption indicates a slight decline, though rather minimal, causing a bit of concern. The recent statistics show a per person electricity consumption of 3584 kWh, which is slightly less than the historical peak of 3590 kWh per person recorded in 2024. A more pressing concern is the decrease in low-carbon electricity generation per capita, now at 3067 kWh, down from the previous record of 3116 kWh. This decline in clean electricity generation, although not drastic, is worrisome as it could hinder Brazil's progress towards a fully electrified and sustainable future. To continue leading in electricity innovation and meet the surge in demand due to sectorial electrification, it’s imperative that Brazil focuses on growing its electricity generation capacity, especially from low-carbon sources.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Brazil should concentrate on expanding its wind and solar energy installations, given their proven effectiveness. Wind and solar technologies are not only sustainable but also allow for scalability and diversification of energy sources. Meanwhile, the role of nuclear energy, as a stable and substantial clean energy source, should be seriously considered and expanded upon. By investing in these technologies, Brazil aspires to enhance its energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and address both current and future electricity needs. These strategic steps will fortify Brazil's position as a leader in clean energy generation and help meet its future commitments to climate change mitigation.

History

Analyzing the history of low-carbon electricity in Brazil reveals considerable changes over the decades. In the early 2000s, there was a marked fluctuation in hydropower generation, with significant decreases like in 2001, followed by strong recoveries over the ensuing years. Notably, recent years have seen an encouraging rise in both wind and solar energy contributions, with wind power increasing by a substantial margin in 2021 and solar energy following suit with significant boosts in 2023 and 2024. These trends underscore the growing importance of diversified clean energy sources. While the recent dip in hydropower in 2025 highlights the need for continued investment in energy infrastructure, the overarching story is of robust growth and diversification in Brazil's low-carbon energy sector, particularly with the burgeoning wind, solar, and hopefully nuclear energy capacities.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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