The worst drought in Brazil in two decades will force the country to become more dependent on electricity, a source from Brazil’s National Power System Operator (ONS) said on May 11, Reuters reported. thermal power plants to compensate for the reduced amount of hydroelectricity.
Power lines connecting high-voltage poles near the capital Brasilia (Brazil). Photo: Reuters. According to ONS General Manager Luiz Carlos Ciocchi, this could lead to higher electricity prices. However, the situation is still positive when the risk of power shortage or interruption of distribution has not yet occurred. About three-quarters of Brazil’s electricity is generated from hydroelectric plants. This is one of the largest percentages compared to countries in the world. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on May 10 that the country was experiencing the worst water crisis in its history, and warned of major problems with electricity production. The crisis comes at a time of increased demand for energy, as temperatures rise in the coming summer months. Last week, Brazil’s Electricity Supervision Commission approved potential additional measures to meet electricity demand, including increasing the power output of thermal power plants and importing energy from Argentina and Uruguay. Mr. L.Ciocchi said that the government should reserve water in the lakes to meet the needs of the people and maintain the necessary hydropower output.
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