Brazilian power generation expands by 10,300 MW in 2023
Boosted by wind and solar energy, electricity generation in Brazil ended 2023 with an increase of 10,324.2 megawatts (MW), according to the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel). In December alone, 1,900 megawatts (MW) were added, as 51 new generating units across the country entered commercial operation.
The annual growth surpassed the target of 10,302.4 MW set by Aneel for last year. This marks the largest expansion in Brazil's electricity matrix since 2016, when 9,527.8 MW were added to power generation.
The primary factor driving the boost was wind power, which saw a rise of 4,919 MW, accounting for 47.65 percent of the total increase, due to the inauguration of 140 units last year. Solar energy followed, with a generation expansion of 4,070.9 MW from the launch of 104 photovoltaic plants, representing 39.51 percent of the enhancement.
In all, 291 energy projects came into operation last year across 19 states. Bahia (2,614 MW), Rio Grande do Norte (2,278.5 MW), and Minas Gerais (2,025.7 MW) were the states with the most significant increases.
Total capacity
Power generation data are updated daily in Aneel's Generation Information System (Siga). With the additions in 2023, the country's total accumulated electrical power, inspected by Aneel, has reached 199,324.5 MW, and is expected to surpass the 200,000 MW mark this year.
Siga compiles data from operational power plants and projects that have been licensed and are under construction. According to the system, 83.78 percent of Brazil's energy production comes from renewable sources. Hydropower accounts for 55.19 percent, followed by wind (14.4%), biomass (8.43%), and solar (5.77%).
