English 
Spanish 
2 min read
0 comments
Heat wave boosts energy demand and generation
Brazil, hit by an intense heat wave, recorded a historic peak in energy demand, reaching 101.475 MW on November 14. This record highlights the growing importance of renewable energy, especially solar, in expanding the country's electrical generation capacity. The significant increase in the use of refrigeration appliances during this period illustrates the need for efficient and sustainable energy sources.
The contribution of renewable energies
The National Electric System Operator (ONS) notes that, at the peak of demand, solar generation was responsible for 19,6% of the energy needed, maintaining an average of 10% throughout the day. This data highlights the relevance of solar energy in the Brazilian energy mix. To face such demand, the ONS activated emergency measures, including the use of coal-fired thermal and thermoelectric plants, albeit with higher operating costs.
Solar energy projections and growth
The ONS projects that installed energy capacity in Brazil, currently 184.537 MW, will reach 234.298 MW by 2027, an increase of 27%. In this scenario, solar energy, which currently represents 5% of the total (10.556 MW), is expected to reach 8,1% (18.994 MW) in four years, a growth of 80%. These numbers do not consider the continued expansion of the mini and micro distributed generation (MMGD) segment, indicating an even more promising future for renewable energy.
- Energy consumption in Brazil breaks historical records: 102.810 MW in 2025 and the importance of renewable sources such as solar, hydroelectric and wind power
- China and Saudi Arabia turn desert into energy powerhouse with world's largest battery storage system
- Nuclear fusion has found the miracle it needed on the road to commercial power plants
- Solfácil dominates the solar energy market in Brazil with R$4 billion in financing
The role of the productive sector in sustainability
The record in energy demand highlights the need to diversify energy sources. Luciano Carvalho, from Cemig SIM, emphasizes the importance of companies adopting sustainable and responsible practices. He argues that, although many companies are only focused on the economic aspect of governance, environmental and social aspects must also be prioritized for a more conscious and sustainable productive sector.
Democratization of clean energy
Iuri Mendonça, CEO of Cemig SIM, highlights the growing demand for clean energy and the importance of democratizing access to it. He notes that solar energy and other renewable sources are becoming increasingly accessible, contributing to sustainable practices and meeting the objectives of the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) agenda.
This movement towards renewable energy is not only a boost for environmental sustainability, but also a cost-effective way to meet Brazil's growing energy demand. With solar energy and other renewable sources leading the way, the country positions itself as a global example in the use of clean and sustainable energy.
Source:
| Letícia Simões |
| Press and Content Advisory |
