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Understand the historical records of energy consumption in Brazil, the impacts of climate and economy, and the relevance of renewable sources such as solar, hydroelectric and wind power. In addition, see the challenges faced by these sources and the future of the national energy sector.
Anyone expecting a reduction in energy consumption in Brazil in 2024 will undoubtedly need to review their expectations. Due to higher temperatures and accelerated economic growth, energy consumption continues to reach surprising numbers without stopping. In 22 January 2025, at 14:31, the National Interconnected System (SIN) registered 102.810 MW, the highest peak in history. This value therefore surpassed the previous record of 102.478 MW, registered on March 15, 2024. These data were presented by National Electric System Operator (ONS).
Economic growth and heat drive energy demand
Thus, the prediction of a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) above 3,0% in 2024, added to the intense heat waves recorded between December 2024 and January 2025, has increasingly increased the country's need for energy. According to the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), January 2025 was one of the hottest months in recent decades. As a result, the average daily load also broke records, reaching 92.985 average MW, according to data from ONS.
Why does solar energy dominate the headlines?
On the other hand, although the electricity sector has a diversified matrix, the news often highlights only the growth of solar energy. This is an approach that therefore creates a partial view of the market. In 2024, Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR) recorded a 68% growth in the installed capacity of the solar source. Thus, it is possible to see that equally important sources, such as hydroelectric and wind power, are unfortunately ignored. Interestingly, these sources do not receive the same prominence in the media, which undoubtedly raises questions about the visibility of traditional technologies.
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The relevance of hydroelectric plants in the energy system
- Firstly, the hydroelectric plants, mainly responsible for balancing electrical demand at night, at the same time return fresh water to the reservoirs, contributing to sustainability. In 2023, they were responsible for around 52% of the electrical matrix, according to Energy Research Company (EPE).
- In addition, water expansion projects face challenges, such as the delay in construction and the high initial cost, as pointed out in a study by National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL).
- In this regard, it is important to remember that a large part of the Brazilian territory is full of usable rivers and streams. However, this water potential remains, unfortunately, underutilized, especially in rural areas.
Wind turbines: the underestimated power of the wind
In a similar way, the wind turbines have demonstrated high performance, with installed capacity of up to 4.000 kW per wind turbine. In 2024, National Electric System Operator highlighted that wind energy was responsible for more than 13% of the country's total electricity generation. However, its implementation is less discussed, probably due to its industrial size. This is because, therefore, do not meet the demands of immediate residential consumption. This factor, combined with the lack of advertising incentives, ends up significantly limiting the presence of this segment in the headlines.
Ignored facts harm the consumer and the market
Therefore, when only a part of the energy market is disclosed, the public remains, unfortunately, uninformed about the possibilities and opportunities in the electricity sector. This lack of information clearly has negative consequences:
- Impact on the job market: Many professions related to renewable energies are made invisible.
- Lack of knowledge about sustainability: Permanent sources, such as hydroelectric plants, still lead the Brazilian electricity matrix. However, they receive little attention.
- Injustice in news coverage: The lack of diversity in reporting clearly harms the debate on the future of energy in the country.
Energy in Brazil: challenges and solutions
In this sense, the challenges for a more balanced energy sector include:
- Matrix diversification: The integration between traditional and renewable sources is undoubtedly essential.
- Encouragement of research and innovation: More advanced technologies can, in fact, reduce costs and increase efficiency.
- Education and awareness: Information campaigns help to highlight the role of all energy sources.
The future of renewable energy in the country
Finally, Brazil has, indisputably, enormous potential for expand your electrical matrix in a balanced way. This expansion must explore both traditional sources and emerging technologies. However, it is essential that the debate on the sector be conducted, at the same time, with transparency and inclusion. In this context, it is essential to highlight the contributions of all renewable sources to sustainability and energy security.
On the other hand, it is crucial to remember that energy is not limited to sunlight or wind. Hydroelectric, wind and even thermoelectric plants have important roles. In this way, each one contributes to the robustness of the Brazilian electrical system. Thus, a a more comprehensive approach is clearly the key to ensure that consumers are well informed. This will ensure that the sector continues to grow in a sustainable.
