According to data from the ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency), photovoltaic solar energy accounted for an expansion of 1.299,46 MW (17,18%) of installed power in 2021.
Wind capacity accounted for 3.694,32 MW (48,85%), thermoelectric plants added 2.449,69 MW (32,39%) and small hydroelectric plants contributed 114,14 MW (1,51%).
In total, 7.562,08 MW became part of the Brazilian electricity matrix in 2021 – 57,8% more than the 4.790,4 MW set as a target last January.
This is the second largest increase in the historical series measured by the Agency since 1997, behind only 2016, when the increase was 9.528 MW. This increase in electricity generation, according to the entity, is greater than two plants in Jirau, the fourth largest hydroelectric plant in Brazil (with 3.750 MW).
“With efficient regulation, we stimulate the expansion of clean energy generation. In 2021, we accelerated the start-up of plants to combat water scarcity and thus promote energy security and contribute to the resumption of the country’s economic growth,” he said. Andrew Pepitone, director general of ANEEL.
“The billion-dollar investments in energy generation created jobs so that thousands of Brazilians could guarantee the livelihood of their families with the sweat of their work”, he highlighted.
Generating plants were opened or reopened in 20 states across the country's five regions in 2021. The states with the highest increase were, in descending order: Bahia (1.532,38 MW), Rio Grande do Norte (1.505,69 MW) and Rio de Janeiro (1.338,30 MW).
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Generation in December
With the release of 1.122 MW, the month of December was the second in terms of capacity addition in 2021. September was the month with the greatest expansion, with 1.798 MW, of which 1.338,30 MW came from the entry into commercial operation of the GNA 1 thermoelectric plant, powered natural gas – considered the second largest thermoelectric plant in the country, in Porto do Açu (RJ).
Another point highlighted by ANEEL is that the plants released for commercial operation in December have a particularity: none of them are related to ACR (Regulated Contracting Environment) contracts.
Renewable sources
According to the SIGA (Generation Information System Database) of ANEEL, updated daily with data from plants in operation and projects granted under construction, 82,96% of the electrical energy in operation is generated by renewable sources.
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