Solar energy already represents half of the installed capacity of hydroelectric plants in Brazil

Difference between the two generation sources, which was once over 100 GW, has fallen to less than 55 GW in just four years
Solar energy now represents half of the hydroelectric capacity in Brazil
Photo: Freepik

Solar energy recently sured the 55 GW mark of installed capacity in Brazil, consolidating itself as one of the main sources of the national electricity matrix and already representing half of the power installed by hydroelectric plants, which today total around 110 GW.

The data is part of a new survey released by ABSOLAR (Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy), and show that the advance of solar generation in the country is recent and significant.

In April 2021 — exactly four years ago — Brazil had less than 4 GW of installed capacity in photovoltaic plants, while hydroelectric plants operated at 109 GW, a number that has remained practically stable since then.

The difference between the two sources, which was once greater than 100 GW, fell to less than 55 GW in a short period of time — a reflection of the popularization of DG (distributed generation) and the expansion of large solar projects in several states of the country. 

According to ABSOLAR, the growth of solar energy in Brazil follows the global trend of decarbonization of the electricity sector and reflects the need to diversify the energy matrix, given the variability in the hydrological regime and the search for sources complementary to hydroelectric plants.

Source: ABSOLAR

Updated data

Currently, solar energy already s for 22,5% of all installed capacity in the Brazilian electricity grid, being the second largest source in the country — behind only hydroelectric power, which holds 44,3% of the total volume.

Also according to ABSOLAR, since the beginning of the expansion of solar energy in Brazil, the source has already prevented the emission of more than 67,4 million tons of CO₂ (carbon dioxide). 

In addition to environmental gains, the sector attracted more than R$254,8 billion in new investments, generated more than 1,6 million green jobs in the country and contributed approximately R$79,2 billion in revenue to public coffers — resources that can be allocated to essential areas such as health, education and security.

Source: ABSOLAR

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Photo by Henrique Hein
Henrique Hein
He worked at Correio Popular and Rádio Trianon. He has experience in podcast production, radio programs, interviews and reporting. Has been following the solar sector since 2020.

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