Wind and solar power plants in Brazil have already wasted 48,7 TWh of energy due to... curtailment — the generation restrictions imposed by the ONS (National Electric System Operator) that have been intensifying in the country since 2023.
According to a survey of ePowerBayAccording to a consulting firm specializing in renewable energy, the accumulated losses already amount to almost 8% of the country's total electricity consumption — considering that, in 2024, Brazil consumed 650,4 TWh, according to the most recent data consolidated by EPE (Energy Research Company).
The study also reveals that the problem continues to worsen. In January 2026 alone, losses totaled 2,86 TWh — a 45% increase compared to December 2025. Compared to January of last year, when losses were 0,72 TWh, the increase is even more significant: almost 300% in 12 months.
Among the most impacted complexes are Janaúba (MG) and the Serra do Mel A and Serra do Mel B parks (RN), all with accumulated losses exceeding 1 TWh over the analyzed period.
Check out the full ePowerBay study by clicking here. here.
Even with cuts, solar maintains prominence.
Despite increased restrictions, centralized solar energy began 2026 leading the expansion of the Brazilian electricity matrix — repeating the performance observed throughout 2025. If last year this source was the one that added the most installed capacity to the SIN (National Interconnected System), in January the scenario was confirmed again.
Data from ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency) indicates that Brazil added 543 MW to its electricity grid in the first month of the year, with 509 MW coming from new photovoltaic solar plants — equivalent to more than 93% of the expansion recorded during the period.
Solar starts 2026 with 93% of the electricity grid expansion planned for January.
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