Brazil power sector hits record installed capacity growth in 2016

Brazil's electricity sector saw a record-breaking annual installed capacity growth in 2016, with 9,526 megawatts (MW) added to the national power grid by the end of December, the National Electricity Agency (ANEEL) reports. This was the largest expansion since the beginning of the time series in 1998. For 2017, the government is planning a further 7,120 MW boost.

According to ANEEL, the largest-growing power source by absolute numbers in 2016 was hydro power, which added about 5,000 MW worth of installed capacity (53% of the total growth). The second-largest increase was reported for wind power: 2,564 MW (27% of the total expansion in the year). Thermoelectric plants contributed an additional 1,758 MW (18%), and small hydro power plants (SHPP), 203 MW (2%).

Outlook

The electricity sector expansion in 2017 is expected to be driven mainly by large hydro power plants, with a 4,000 MW increase. Wind power is also likely to grow considerably compared to other sources, adding 2,400 MW to the existing capacity.

Translated by Mayra Borges