Hydroelectric Power Generation

The power generation matrix in Brazil is heavily weighted towards the hydroelectric mode, accounting for approximately 91% of the total. This shows the significance, in strategic terms, of water availability for electric power in the country. Brazil’s total hydroelectric power potential is 260 GW, of which approximately 22% has been implemented. A large proportion of hydroelectric power potential is in the Amazon region (40%), where demand is low, while most of the potential for large developments in the Southeast has already been exploited.

The hydroelectric power potential of the Amazon Region and Tocantins is estimated at approximately 130,000 MW, or 50% of total Brazilian hydroelectric power potential; equivalent to 69% of total unused potential, and approximately 6% of world hydroelectric power potential. Therefore, the implementation of new enterprises in this region is strategically important to Brazil, but it must be done in a way that is compatible with environmental conservation, multiple use of water, and integrated with local and regional development plans.