For the first time in history, wind and solar power generated more than one-third of Brazil’s electricity in August, a milestone that underscores the nation’s accelerating transition toward renewable energy. According to government data analyzed by energy think tank Ember, these two clean energy sources supplied 34% of total electricity generation, producing a record 19 terawatt-hours (TWh) in a single month—enough to power about 119 million average Brazilian homes.
This achievement comes against the backdrop of falling hydroelectric output, traditionally Brazil’s dominant source of electricity. Hydropower accounted for just 48% in August, the second time in history it dropped below half. Despite weaker hydro conditions, fossil fuel reliance remained historically low, making up only 14% of generation. In previous drought years, natural gas, coal, and oil had spiked significantly, but the rapid scaling of renewables helped Brazil avoid this pattern.
The growth trajectory of Brazil’s clean energy is remarkable. In 2019, solar represented barely 1% of total generation. By 2024, it surged to nearly 10%, while wind expanded from under 9% to 15% of the energy mix. Combined, these technologies more than doubled their share to reach 24% in 2024, setting the stage for this year’s milestone. At the same time, emissions from the power sector have declined by 31% since 2014, even as electricity demand increased 22%, highlighting how renewables have outpaced consumption growth.
Experts emphasize that this is not a temporary achievement but the result of over 15 years of steady investments in renewable capacity. Ricardo Baitelo of Brazil’s Institute for Energy and the Environment notes that wind and solar are no longer “alternative sources” but core pillars of the energy mix. Today, Brazil relies on three main energy sources: hydro, wind, and solar, making it the only G20 country currently on track to meet its COP28 renewable energy goals.
Yet challenges remain. Analysts warn that distortions created by heavy subsidies, particularly in residential solar, have inadvertently raised system costs. This has occasionally forced reliance on expensive thermal generation to stabilize supply when renewable output dips. Paulo Pedrosa, president of Abrace Energia, argues that Brazil must now leverage its abundance of cheap, clean electricity to enhance industrial competitiveness and contribute to global decarbonization, rather than risk backsliding into fossil dependence.
The achievement is both a symbol of progress and a cautionary tale. Without further reforms and smart grid management, fossil fuel interests could re-emerge, undermining the country’s global leadership in clean energy. Brazil’s success in combining economic growth with renewable expansion demonstrates what is possible, but the nation must act decisively to safeguard this momentum.
Conclusion
Brazil’s record highlights the potential of renewable energy to transform national power systems while cutting emissions and costs. By embracing wind and solar alongside hydro, Brazil has built a diversified, resilient, and sustainable energy model. However, maintaining this leadership requires policy stability, market reforms, and continued investment in technology. If managed wisely, Brazil could remain a global example of how to power economic growth with green, affordable, and reliable energy.
