Brazil generates over one-third of its electricity from wind and solar for the first time

"The clean energy sources accounted for 34% of the country's electricity generation last month, producing a monthly record of 19 terawatt-hours (TWh), enough to power about 119 million average Brazilian homes for a month, Ember told The Associated Press. That surpassed the previous high of 18.6 TWh set in September 2024. The milestone came as hydroelectric output, Brazil's dominant power source, fell to a four-year low."

""Brazil shows how a rapidly growing economy can meet its rising need for electricity with solar and wind," said Raul Miranda, Ember's global program director based in Rio de Janeiro. "Solar and wind are a perfect match for Brazil's hydropower resources, taking the pressure off in drought years. A diversified mix is a fundamental strategy for tackling risks related to climate change," he said."

"Hydropower provided 48% of electricity in August, only the second month on record it has supplied less than half of Brazil's power. Despite the weak hydro output, fossil fuel plants, mainly powered by natural gas, coal and oil, accounted for just 14% of generation, or 7.8 TWh. In past drought years, fossil fuel use has spiked to cover shortfalls, reaching 26% in August 2021."

Wind and solar generated 34% of Brazil's electricity in August, producing a monthly record of 19 TWh. Hydropower fell to a four-year low, supplying 48% that month and marking only the second month it provided less than half of the country's power. Fossil fuel plants accounted for 14% of generation (7.8 TWh), avoiding the large surges seen in past droughts. Wind and solar produced 24% of electricity in 2024, more than double their share from five years earlier, with solar rising to 9.6% and wind to 15%. Power sector emissions fell 31% from their 2014 peak by 2024.

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