Solar installations on residences up 2,000% in Brazil in three years

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The data were presented by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) Planning and Development Secretary Paulo César Domingues.

When it comes to electricity, the figures are even higher: 85% of the Brazilian electricity matrix is renewable, against only 20% of the world average.

He added that although Brazil is still very dependent on hydroelectric plants (85% of its electricity comes from hydroelectric sources), the country has been diversifying its matrix. As for solar energy, Brazil now has 10 gigawatts of installed capacity.

“This is equivalent to 70% of Itaipu’s installed capacity,” he said. According to Domingues, there has been a 200% increase in centralized solar energy (solar plants) in 3 years. When it comes to distributed solar energy (panels on rooftops) the growth reaches 2,000%.

Wind energy is another source of power that has been growing in Brazil. There are now over 700 plants installed nationwide. Today, energy from wind power represents 11% of the Brazilian energy matrix.

The secretary also discussed biofuels, of which Brazil is the world’s second largest producer with ethanol and biodiesel.

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