Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Even With Clean Energy Potential and Abundant Raw Material, Brazil Remains Dependent on China for Solar Panels and Silicon Production
Brazil is experiencing an energy paradox. Even though it excels in renewable energies, it continues to import most of the solar panels used in the country from China. This results not only in environmental impact but also economic losses, according to a study by the E+ Energy Transition Institute.
The report reveals that Brazilian imports of silicon, the raw material for solar panels, resulted in the emission of 4 million tons of CO₂ in 2024. This volume is equivalent to the annual emissions of nearly 880,000 cars in Brazil, representing 0.4% of total national emissions.
The reason lies in the Chinese energy matrix. Silicon production in China is highly polluting, being 17 times dirtier than the Brazilian electricity matrix. And despite this difference, Brazil continues to export raw silicon, of low value, while importing finished panels, which are more expensive.
-
While hydroelectric plants lose capacity due to evaporation caused by heat in the reservoirs, the Philippines are installing floating solar panels on the plants’ own lakes, generating energy, reducing evaporation by up to 70%, and cooling the panels to increase electrical efficiency at the same time.
-
Google builds the world’s largest iron-air battery in Minnesota with 300 MW and 30 GWh to store energy for 100 consecutive hours.
-
Small and flexible hydropower plants can be a game-changer for clean energy by generating electricity in previously overlooked rivers, without requiring large dams or aggressively altering the water flow.
-
Dongfang breaks world record and manufactures 26 MW wind turbine in China with 137-meter blades that spin so slowly they appear stationary on the horizon.
Resources Exist, But Are Poorly Utilized
Brazil has large reserves of quartz, the raw material for producing silicon. It already has local production of metallic silicon and has a clean electricity matrix, ideal for energy-intensive industrial processes. Yet, it continues to be an exporter of simple inputs, without adding value domestically.
According to Edlayan Passos, an energy specialist at the E+ Institute, it is possible to change this scenario. He states that part of the value chain can be nationalized, which would decrease external dependence and bring economic and environmental benefits. The proposal involves an approach called “industrial micro-targeting.”
This strategy, developed with Johns Hopkins University, identifies the most promising link in the production chain to be incorporated in Brazil. Factors such as international trade volume, competitiveness, and sensitivity to logistical and energy costs are analyzed.
Technology and Control in Brazilian Hands
Edlayan advocates that trade agreements can include technology transfer clauses. This would ensure not only investment in factories but also technical training and mastery of strategic technologies.
Solar energy already accounts for over 15% of the national electricity matrix. The trend is for growth, which only underscores the importance of reducing international dependence, as warned by the institute.
U.S. Tariffs Open and Close Doors
The study also highlights an unexpected side effect of the United States’ trade policy. The tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on China caused overproduction in the Asian country.
Unable to sell to Americans, Chinese manufacturers are seeking new markets – and Brazil is one of the main targets.
For Edlayan, this represents a risk. The country may become a destination for cheap surpluses, stifling any local initiative. This phenomenon, known as “overcapacity,” turns Brazil into a receptive and vulnerable market.
However, the expert also sees a strategic window. With the U.S. closing its doors to China, there is room for new suppliers. Brazil can position itself as a clean, stable alternative close to major markets.
Price Difference Remains a Barrier
The major challenge still lies in costs. Brazilian silicon used in solar panels costs about US$ 15 per kilogram, more than double the Chinese price, which is US$ 6. This difference has hindered the viability of local production.
However, this scenario may change with the European carbon market. Currently, CO₂ is traded at about US$ 90 per ton. If the price rises to US$ 120, as some experts predict, Brazilian silicon would become more competitive than Chinese in Europe.
Time to Act: Domestic Market Is Sufficient
Brazil has an estimated internal demand of 34,500 tons of solar silicon per year over the next decade. This is sufficient to sustain a national industry. Additionally, the country could export to regions interested in products with a lower carbon footprint.
The gains would be significant: fewer emissions, more skilled jobs, strengthening of the trade balance, and the creation of a robust production chain.
But for this to happen, the country needs to act. The institute warns that the opportunity exists, but it depends on coordinated public policies. And other countries with clean energy matrices are already moving.
With information from Exame.
Be the first to react!