Brazil achieves landmark renewable energy milestone as wind and solar power surge

In August 2023, Brazil marked a historical transition in its energy generation, with wind and solar power collectively surpassing one-third of total electricity production for the first time. During this month, renewable sources generated an impressive 34% of the nation's electricity, equating to 19 terawatt-hours (TWh), which could supply approximately 119 million average Brazilian homes for a month. This achievement stands out, especially considering the hydropower output, Brazil's traditional mainstay, fell to a low not seen in four years, generating only 48% of the country's electricity during this period. The significant rise of wind and solar is closely linked to Brazil's ongoing effort to diversify its energy mix. The shift towards these renewables has been documented over the past decade, particularly with solar energy showing rapid growth in recent years. Energy think tank Ember analyzed government data and noted that the rise in wind and solar capacity helps alleviate the pressure on hydropower resources, especially during drought conditions, reinforcing the importance of a diversified energy approach in the face of climate change risks. Despite witnessing a drop in hydropower output, fossil fuel electricity generation accounted for only 14% in August, indicating a reduced reliance on traditional thermal sources like natural gas, coal, and oil. In prior years, especially during drought seasons, reliance on fossil fuels surged to compensate for low hydropower availability, with a notable record of 26% in August 2021. Ember attributed the current balance to the accelerated deployment of wind and solar energy, which has surpassed demand growth and resulted in a significant 45% reduction of fossil fuel generation. Experts have highlighted that the consistent growth in renewable energy capacity demonstrates the commitment of Brazil in transitioning from a predominantly hydro-based system to a multifaceted energy framework comprising hydropower, solar, and wind energy. As Brazil moves towards its goal to enhance renewable energy involvement, set out during the U.N. COP28 climate summit in Dubai in 2023, there is a pressing need for reforms to maintain this progress. Observers warn that failing to pursue necessary reforms could allow fossil fuel interests to capitalize on expanding thermal generation in upcoming energy auctions, which in turn could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions despite the rising contributions from renewable sources.