Brazil has reached a new renewable energy record: in August, wind and solar together generated more than one-third of the country’s electricity. Government data analyzed by the think tank Ember showed that these two sources provided about 34% of total supply, delivering nearly 19 terawatt-hours—enough to power millions of homes. This shift represents a big jump from 2024, when they made up only 24% of electricity generation, according to AP News.
Diversified power mix reduces risks
For decades, Brazil has depended on hydropower, which still supplies more than half the country’s electricity. But hydropower is increasingly vulnerable to drought, a problem intensified by climate change. In August, hydro output dropped to its lowest in four years, yet Brazil avoided blackouts thanks to wind and solar. Fossil fuels provided just 14% of electricity, helping limit carbon emissions. The International Energy Agency notes that such diversification makes grids more resilient and less dependent on single resources.
Rapid growth and positive ripple effects
Brazil’s expansion of solar energy is particularly striking. In 2019, solar made up just over 1% of electricity generation; by 2024 it was nearly 10%. Wind also grew from about 9% to 15% in the same period. These investments are paying off: emissions from Brazil’s power sector have fallen by about 31% since 2014, even as electricity demand has risen by 22%. The World Bank highlights Brazil as a leader in showing how renewable growth can support economic development while cutting emissions.
The transition is also boosting jobs and innovation. Solar and wind projects are creating thousands of local positions, particularly in rural areas. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that Brazil now ranks among the world’s top employers in renewable energy, further embedding the sector into its long-term development model.
Why this matters
Brazil’s milestone demonstrates that even large, energy-hungry economies can power growth with clean sources. It also shows how countries vulnerable to climate impacts can build resilience by diversifying their energy mix. Perhaps most importantly, Brazil is currently the only G20 nation on track to meet the renewable targets set at COP28.
While challenges remain—such as managing grid stability and ensuring fair pricing—the overall trajectory is clear. Brazil’s success story is not just about technology, but about political will, community support, and sustained investment. As other nations watch closely, Brazil provides evidence that clean energy can scale quickly and reliably, lowering the extinction-level risks posed by climate change and offering a model for a more sustainable world.
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