What is Brazil's global ranking in energy consumption, and how does it compare to other South American countries?

Brazil ranks as the 7th largest energy consumer globally and is the largest consumer of energy in South America. This indicates its significant role in the global energy landscape.

Which government agencies are responsible for energy policy in Brazil?

The primary government agencies overseeing energy policy in Brazil include the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the National Council for Energy Policy (CNPE), the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), and the National Agency of Electricity (ANEEL).

Who are the major state-owned energy companies in Brazil and Latin America?

Petrobras and Eletrobras are the principal state-owned companies that dominate Brazil's energy sector, and they are also the largest energy companies in Latin America.

What was the approximate composition of Brazil's total energy supply in 2020?

In 2020, Brazil's total energy supply was roughly divided, with oil accounting for about one-third and biofuels making up another third. This highlights a significant reliance on both fossil fuels and renewable biological sources.

How does Brazil's energy sector compare to the global average in terms of carbon intensity?

Brazil's energy sector is considered one of the least carbon-intensive in the world, partly due to its near-universal access to electricity and its significant use of renewable energy sources.

What was Brazil's global rank in crude oil production in 2019, and what percentage of the world's production did it represent?

In 2019, Brazil was the 9th largest producer of crude oil globally, accounting for 3.3% of the world's total production. The top producers were the United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

In 2018, what was Brazil's global ranking for electricity production, and what share did it represent?

Brazil ranked 8th globally in electricity production in 2018, generating 2.3% of the world's total electricity. China and the United States were the top two producers.

What was Brazil's position in the world for net electricity imports in 2018?

In 2018, Brazil was the 3rd largest net importer of electricity globally, importing 35 TWh. The United States and Italy were the top two net importers.

How did Brazil rank globally in renewable electricity production in 2018, and what percentage did it contribute?

Brazil ranked 3rd in the world for renewable electricity production in 2018, contributing 7.4% of the global total with 495 TWh. China and the United States produced more renewable electricity.

What was Brazil's global ranking for hydroelectricity production and installed power capacity in 2018?

In 2018, Brazil held the 2nd position globally for both hydroelectricity production (389 TWh) and installed hydroelectric power capacity (105 GW). China was the leading country in both categories.

What percentage of Brazil's electricity production came from hydroelectricity in 2018, and how did this rank globally?

In 2018, hydroelectricity accounted for 64.7% of Brazil's electricity production, making it the second-highest share among the top hydroelectric power producers, following Norway (95.0%).

What was Brazil's global ranking for wind power electricity production and installed capacity in 2018?

In 2018, Brazil ranked 7th globally in wind power electricity production (48 TWh) and 8th in installed wind power capacity (14.4 GW). China was the leading country in both metrics.

What percentage of Brazil's electricity production was derived from wind power in 2018, and how did this compare to other countries?

In 2018, wind power constituted 8.1% of Brazil's electricity production, placing it 4th among countries ranked by this share. Spain had the highest share at 18.5%.

What was Brazil's global position in primary energy consumption from biomass in 2019?

In 2019, Brazil ranked 5th globally in primary energy consumption from biomass, consuming 3915 PJ. India, China, Nigeria, and the United States consumed more biomass energy.

How did Brazil's total energy matrix compare to the world's in terms of renewable energy share in 2019?

In 2019, Brazil's energy matrix was significantly more renewable than the global average. Brazil's matrix was 45% renewable, while the world's matrix was only 14% renewable.

What were the main components of Brazil's total energy matrix in 2019?

In 2019, Brazil's total energy matrix consisted of petroleum and oil products (34.3%), sugarcane derivatives (18%), hydraulic energy (12.4%), natural gas (12.2%), firewood and charcoal (8.8%), various renewable energies (7%), mineral coal (5.3%), nuclear (1.4%), and other non-renewable energies (0.6%).

How did Brazil's electric energy matrix compare to the world's in terms of renewable energy share in 2019?

Brazil's electric energy matrix was substantially more renewable than the global average in 2019. Brazil's matrix was 83% renewable, whereas the world's electric matrix was only 25% renewable.

What were the primary sources of electricity in Brazil's electric energy matrix in 2019?

In 2019, Brazil's electric matrix was primarily composed of hydroelectric energy (64.9%), biomass (8.4%), wind energy (8.6%), natural gas (9.3%), coal and derivatives (3.3%), oil products (2%), and nuclear energy (2.5%). Solar electric energy accounted for 1%.

What was the percentage breakdown of Brazil's energy consumption in 2021?

In 2021, Brazil's energy consumption was comprised of crude oil and other petroleum liquids (44.2%), renewables (including hydro) (37.5%), natural gas (11.6%), coal (5.5%), and nuclear energy (1.3%).

How did Brazil's energy production and consumption growth rates compare between 2011-2021 and 2000-2010?

From 2011 to 2021, Brazil's total energy production grew at an average annual rate of 1.5%, primarily driven by petroleum. Energy consumption increased at a slower pace of 0.5% annually during this period, compared to a 3.3% annual growth rate between 2000 and 2010.

What percentage of global and South American energy production and consumption did Brazil account for in 2021?

In 2021, Brazil's energy production represented 2.0% of global production and 48.8% of South America's total. Its energy consumption accounted for 2.0% of global consumption and 53.3% of South America's consumption.

What were the main sources of electricity generation in Brazil in 2021?

In 2021, renewable sources generated 75.9% of Brazil's electricity, with hydropower contributing 54.8% and other renewables making up 21.1%. Natural gas was the next largest source at 14.5%, followed by coal (4.0%) and nuclear energy (2.2%).

What was Brazil's global rank in hydropower production in 2021, and what share of global output did it represent?

In 2021, Brazil was the world's third-largest hydropower producer, following China and Canada. Its hydroelectricity generation amounted to 363 terawatt-hours, which was 9% of the global hydropower output.

What key reforms were implemented in Brazil's energy sector at the end of the 1990s and early 2000s?

Key reforms included the adoption of the Petroleum Investment Law in 1997, which established a new legal and regulatory framework, liberalized oil production, increased the use of natural gas, fostered competition in the energy market, and boosted investment in power generation. This also led to the end of the state monopoly on oil and gas exploration and a reduction in energy subsidies.

What is the stated goal of Brazil's New Gas Law, approved in 2020?

The New Gas Law, approved in 2020, aims to promote a more competitive natural gas market, facilitate third-party access to infrastructure, and attract private investment into the sector.

What was Brazil's global rank in oil production, and who held the oil monopoly until 1997?

Brazil is the world's 8th-largest oil producer. Until 1997, the state-owned company Petrobras held a monopoly on oil production.

Where were the majority of Brazil's proven oil reserves located as of 2006?

As of 2006, the vast majority of Brazil's proven oil reserves, which totaled 11.2 billion barrels, were situated in the Campos and Santos offshore basins, located off the southeast coast of Brazil.

What significant oil discovery was announced by Petrobras in 2007, and what was its potential impact?

In November 2007, Petrobras announced the discovery of the Tupi oil field, estimated to contain between 5 and 8 billion barrels of recoverable light oil. This discovery held the potential to elevate Brazil to become one of the world's largest oil producers.

Why does Brazil import light oil despite being a major oil producer?

Brazil imports light oil from the Middle East because many of its refineries, built in the 1960s and 1970s, are not equipped to process the heavier crude oil found in Brazil's later discoveries.

What is the role of Transpetro in Brazil's oil sector?

Transpetro, a subsidiary of Petrobras, operates the crude oil transport network in Brazil, managing a system that includes pipelines, coastal import terminals, and inland storage facilities.

What is Brazil's position regarding oil shale resources and production?

Brazil possesses the world's second-largest known oil shale resources and ranks second globally in shale oil production, following Estonia. The country operates the Petrosix pyrolysis retort, the world's largest surface oil shale facility.

What were Brazil's natural gas reserves as of January 2023, and where are they primarily located?

As of January 2023, Brazil had approximately 13.4 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas reserves. About 76% of these reserves are located offshore in the Santos Basin, with the remaining 24% found onshore in the Solimões and Parnaíba Basins.

What percentage of Brazil's natural gas reserves does Petrobras control?

Petrobras controls over 90 percent of Brazil's natural gas reserves.

What major natural gas pipelines are mentioned in the text, and who are some of the contractors?

The text mentions the Gasun pipeline linking Mato Grosso do Sul to Maranhão, the Gasene pipeline (with Sinopec as a contractor) linking the northeast and southeast networks, and the Urucu-Manaus pipeline connecting Urucu gas reserves to power plants in Amazonas. Brazil also imports gas via the Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline (Gasbol) and from Argentina.

What was Brazil's coal situation in 2004 regarding reserves, production, and consumption?

In 2004, Brazil had total coal reserves of about 30 billion tonnes, with proved recoverable reserves around 10 billion tonnes. In the same year, Brazil produced 5.4 million tonnes of coal but consumed 21.9 million tonnes, indicating a significant import reliance.

What is the primary type of coal produced in Brazil, and how is it used?

Almost all of Brazil's coal output is steam coal, with approximately 85% of it being used in power stations.

What is Brazil's global ranking for uranium reserves?

Brazil holds the 6th largest uranium reserves in the world.

What changes occurred in Brazil's electricity sector in the mid-1990s and 2004?

Power sector reforms were initiated in the mid-1990s, leading to a new regulatory framework being applied in 2004. This period saw increased private ownership in distribution and generation, and the creation of an independent system operator (ONS) and a wholesale market in 1998.

Who are the major electricity generation companies in Brazil?

The major state-owned power company is Eletrobras, which, along with its subsidiaries, generates and transmits about 60% of Brazil's electricity. The largest private-owned power company is Tractebel Energia.

What was the outcome of the government's program to build gas-fired power stations after the 2001 electricity crisis?

Following the 2001 electricity crisis, the government planned to build 55 gas-fired power stations totaling 22 GW. However, only 19 stations with a combined capacity of 4,012 MW were actually constructed.

What was Brazil's global rank in electricity production in 2021, and what percentage of global generation did it represent?

In 2021, Brazil was the world's sixth-largest electricity producer, generating 663 terawatt-hours (TWh), which accounted for 2% of global electricity generation.

What were the main drivers of Brazil's electricity generation growth between 2011 and 2021?

Brazil's electricity generation increased at an average annual rate of 2.4% from 2011 to 2021. This growth was primarily driven by significant increases in solar power (199% growth), wind power (40% growth), and fossil fuels (13% growth).

Which sectors were the principal consumers of electricity in Brazil in 2021?

The industrial sector was the largest consumer of electricity in Brazil in 2021 (39%), followed by residential areas (29%) and commercial and public services (25%).

What was Brazil's global rank in hydroelectricity production in 2006, and what is its current rank?

In 2006, Brazil was the third-largest hydroelectricity producer globally. As of 2021, Brazil was the second country in the world in terms of installed hydroelectric power capacity (109.4 GW).

What is the significance of the Itaipu Dam in Brazil's energy sector?

The Itaipu Dam, located on the Paraná River bordering Paraguay, was the world's largest hydroelectric plant by generating capacity for several years until surpassed by the Three Gorges Dam. It remains the world's second-largest operational hydroelectric power plant and has an installed capacity of 14 GW.

What are some major hydroelectric plants located in Northern Brazil?

Major hydroelectric plants in Northern Brazil include the Belo Monte Dam and the Tucuruí Dam, which contribute significantly to the nation's energy production.

What was Brazil's installed wind power capacity as of July 2022, and what was its global rank in 2021?

As of July 2022, Brazil had reached 22 GW of installed wind power. In 2021, it ranked 7th globally in installed wind power capacity with 21 GW.

How does Brazil's wind energy production capacity factor compare to the global average?

Brazil's average wind production capacity factor is 58%, which is significantly higher than the world average of 24.7%. Some wind farms in Northern Brazil, particularly in Bahia State, have recorded average capacity factors exceeding 60%.

What was Brazil's gross wind resource potential onshore in 2019?

In 2019, Brazil's gross onshore wind resource potential was estimated to be about 522 GW, which is enough energy to meet three times the country's current demand.

What was Brazil's installed solar power capacity as of October 2022, and what was its global rank in 2021?

As of October 2022, Brazil had reached 21 GW of installed solar power. In 2021, it ranked 14th globally in installed solar power capacity with 13 GW.

Energy In Brazil Wiki: Brazil's Energy Nexus: Powering a Nation

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Overview

Global Significance

Brazil stands as the 7th largest energy consumer globally and the foremost in South America. Simultaneously, it is a significant producer of oil and natural gas within the region and holds the position of the world's second-largest producer of ethanol fuel. The nation's energy policy is guided by key governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the National Council for Energy Policy (CNPE).

Environmental Profile

A defining characteristic of Brazil's energy matrix is its substantial reliance on renewable sources. In 2019, renewables constituted 45% of the total energy supply, a figure significantly higher than the global average of 14%. This commitment to renewables extends prominently to its electricity generation, where they accounted for 83% in the same year, far surpassing the global average of 25%. Access to electricity is nearly universal across the country, contributing to one of the world's least carbon-intensive energy sectors.

Key Players

State-owned enterprises, Petrobras and Eletrobras, are pivotal entities in Brazil's energy sector. Petrobras is the nation's most important energy producer and a major player in oil and gas exploration, production, and distribution. Eletrobras, a significant electricity generator and transmitter, plays a crucial role in the country's power infrastructure. These companies, along with others, shape the landscape of energy production and distribution in Brazil and across Latin America.

Energy Matrix Composition

Total Energy Mix

In 2021, Brazil's total energy supply was composed of approximately 44.2% crude oil and petroleum products, 37.5% renewables (including hydro), 11.6% natural gas, 5.5% coal, and 1.3% nuclear energy. This diverse mix reflects the nation's rich natural resources and its strategic focus on developing various energy sectors.

Electricity Generation

The Brazilian electric energy matrix is notably dominated by renewable sources. In 2021, renewables accounted for 75.9% of electricity generation, with hydroelectric power contributing 54.8% and other renewables (such as wind and solar) making up 21.1%. Natural gas followed at 14.5%, with coal and nuclear energy contributing 4.0% and 2.2%, respectively. Crude oil and other petroleum liquids represented 3.4% of the mix.

The following chart illustrates the breakdown of Brazil's electricity generation by fuel type from 2000 to 2018:

Key Energy Sources

Oil

Brazil ranks as the world's 8th-largest oil producer. Petrobras, the national oil company, dominates exploration and production, particularly from offshore pre-salt reserves in the Campos and Santos basins. Brazil has been a net exporter of oil since 2011, though it imports light crude oil for its refineries, which are not always optimized for the heavier domestic crude. Brazil holds significant oil reserves, ranking second in Central and South America as of 2022.

Natural Gas

With substantial natural gas reserves, primarily associated gas from offshore oil fields, Brazil's natural gas sector is growing. The New Gas Law of 2020 aims to foster market competition and attract investment. Natural gas constituted about 7% of Brazil's total energy production in 2021, a notable increase from previous years. Imports, mainly from Bolivia, and LNG are crucial for meeting domestic demand.

Hydroelectricity

Hydropower is a cornerstone of Brazil's electricity generation, consistently contributing the largest share. The country possesses vast hydroelectric potential, with major plants like Itaipu Dam (historically the world's largest by capacity) and Tucuruí Dam being significant contributors. As of 2021, Brazil ranked second globally in installed hydroelectric power capacity, underscoring its importance in the nation's energy matrix.

Wind Energy

Brazil has emerged as a global leader in wind energy. With significant onshore potential, the country has rapidly expanded its installed wind capacity, reaching over 22 GW by mid-2022. Brazil ranks among the top global producers of wind energy, benefiting from high capacity factors in regions like the Northeast. Wind power represents a substantial and growing portion of the national electricity generation.

Solar Power

Solar power is another rapidly growing renewable energy source in Brazil. By October 2022, installed solar capacity surpassed 21 GW. Brazil is recognized for its high solar irradiation levels, particularly in states like Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Goiás. While still a smaller contributor compared to hydro and wind, solar energy's growth trajectory is steep, driven by technological advancements and policy support.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy plays a modest but consistent role in Brazil's electricity generation, accounting for approximately 2.2% in 2021. The country operates the Angra 1 and Angra 2 nuclear power plants, with Angra 3 under construction. Brazil also possesses significant uranium reserves, ranking 6th globally, and engages in nuclear cooperation agreements, notably with Argentina.

Biofuels

Brazil is a global powerhouse in biofuel production, particularly bioethanol derived from sugarcane. The nation's commitment to biofuels dates back to the Pró-Álcool program initiated in the 1970s, significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels. In 2021, Brazil was the world's second-largest biofuel producer, with bioethanol comprising the majority of its biofuel consumption, followed by biodiesel.

Energy Sector Reforms

Liberalization and Restructuring

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Brazil's energy sector underwent significant market liberalization. The adoption of the Petroleum Investment Law in 1997 established a new legal and regulatory framework, opening oil and gas exploration to competition and creating key regulatory agencies like the CNPE and ANP. These reforms aimed to increase investment, enhance market competition, and reduce energy subsidies, although the government retained control over certain energy complexes and price regulations.

Policy Focus

Current government policies emphasize improving energy efficiency across residential and industrial sectors and expanding the utilization of renewable energy sources. Continued restructuring of the energy sector is considered vital for ensuring adequate investment to meet the growing demand for fuel and electricity, aligning with national sustainability goals.

Energy Statistics & Rankings

Global Standing

Brazil consistently ranks high in global energy production and consumption metrics. Its substantial renewable energy share, particularly in electricity generation, distinguishes it internationally. The following tables provide a snapshot of Brazil's position in various energy sectors as of recent data.

Brazil's standing in global energy production and consumption highlights its significance:

**Brazil's Place in World Rankings, 2019**
* % hydro/electric : share of hydroelectricity in electricity production (ranking on the top 10 producers) 2019p = provisional estimate for 2019.
Energy Source	Indicator	Rank	Year	Quantity	Unit	% World	Comments
Crude oil	Production	9th	2019p	145	Mt	3.3%	1st: United States (742 Mt), 2nd: Russia (560 Mt), 3rd: Saudi Arabia (546 Mt)
Electricity	Production	8th	2018	601	TWh	2.3%	1st: China (7149 TWh), 2nd: United States (4434 TWh)
Electricity	Net import	3rd	2018	35	TWh	9.3%	1st: United States (44 TWh), 2nd: Italy (44 TWh)
Electricity production by source	Renewables	3rd	2018	495	TWh	7.4%	1st: China (1833 TWh), 2nd: United States (743 TWh)
Hydroelectricity	Production	2nd	2018	389	TWh	9.0%	1st: China (1232 TWh), 3rd: Canada (386 TWh)
	Power installed	2nd	2018	105	GW	8.1%	1st: China (352 GW), 3rd: United States (103 GW)
	% hydro/electric *	2nd	2018	64.7	%		1st: Norway (95.0%)
Wind power	Electricity production	7th	2018	48	TWh	3.8%	1st: China (366 TWh), 2nd: United States (276 TWh)
	Power installed	8th	2018	14.4	GW	2.6%	1st: China (184.3 GW)
	% wind/electric *	4th	2018	8.1	%		1st: Spain (18.5%)
Biomass	Primary energy consumption	5th	2019	3915	PJ	6.9%	1st: India (7998 PJ), 2nd: China (5299 PJ), 3rd: Nigeria (4929 PJ), 4th: United States (4540 PJ)
Biomass	Electricity production	3rd	2019	54.9	TWh	10.1%	1st: China (111.1 TWh), 2nd: United States (56 TWh)

Consumption Trends

Brazil's energy consumption has seen varied growth rates. While consumption increased significantly between 2000 and 2010, the period from 2011 to 2021 saw a slower average annual growth rate. This trend reflects evolving economic conditions and energy efficiency initiatives. The following table details key energy indicators from 2004 to 2013.

Energy in Brazil, 2004–2013
	Capita	Prim. energy	Production	Import	Electricity	CO₂-emission
	Million	TWh	TWh	TWh	TWh	Mt
2004	183.9	2,382	2,050	364	360	323
2007	191.6	2,740	2,507	289	413	347
2008	192.0	2,890	2,653	314	429	365
2009	193.7	2,793	2,679	182	426	338
2010	195.0	3,089	2,865	289	465	388
2012	196.7	3,140	2,898	333	480	408
2012R	198.7	3,276	2,930	391	498	440
2013	200.0	3,415	2,941	531	517	517
2014	203.5	3,450				504
Mtoe = 11.63 TWh, Prim. energy includes energy losses 2012R = CO2 calculation criteria changed, numbers updated

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References

Country Analysis Brief. Brazil, US Energy Information Agency, August 2006

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Energy in Brazil Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Some data points may reflect information from over a decade ago, and recent developments may not be fully captured.

This is not professional energy or economic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding energy policy, investment, or infrastructure. Always refer to official government and industry sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Brazil's Energy Nexus

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 💡

🌍 Global Significance

🌱 Environmental Profile

🏢 Key Players

Energy Matrix Composition 📊

🔗 Total Energy Mix

💡 Electricity Generation

Key Energy Sources ⛽

🛢️ Oil

💨 Natural Gas

🏞️ Hydroelectricity

🌬️ Wind Energy

☀️ Solar Power

⚛️ Nuclear Energy

🌿 Biofuels

Energy Sector Reforms ⚙️

📜 Liberalization and Restructuring

📈 Policy Focus

Energy Statistics & Rankings 📈

🏆 Global Standing

📊 Consumption Trends

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Global Significance

Environmental Profile

Key Players

Energy Matrix Composition

Total Energy Mix

Electricity Generation

Key Energy Sources

Oil

Natural Gas

Hydroelectricity

Wind Energy

Solar Power

Nuclear Energy

Biofuels

Energy Sector Reforms

Liberalization and Restructuring

Policy Focus

Energy Statistics & Rankings

Global Standing

Consumption Trends

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice