Brazil Boosts Power Output in 2025, with More Expected in 2026

---

Written by Amir Richani for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

---

Summary

Brazil added 7,403 MW of new installed capacity, led by renewable sources. For this year, another 9,142 MW are expected to be added. The push for renewable energy is making Brazil an attractive destination for data centres.

---

Massive Increase Ahead for Generation

Brazil's National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) reported the South American nation added 7,403 megawatts (MW) of new installed capacity throughout 2025. For 2026, ANEEL expects 9,142 MW of new capacity additions, a 23.4% increase.

A total of 136 power plants began commercial operations last year, among them, 63 solar power plants totalling 2,815 MW; 15 thermal power plants totalling 2,505 MW; and 43 windfarms totalling 1,825 MW.

Rio de Janeiro was the state with the most newly installed capacity in 2025, adding 1,681 MW, followed by Bahia with 1,371 MW and Minas Gerais at 1,294 MW.

By January 18, 2026, Brazil's total installed capacity reached 216,715 MW in operation, according to ANEEL's data dashboard. Among those, hydroelectric plants lead with installed capacity at 47.64%, followed by thermal power plants at 22.88% and wind power at 16.05%. Solar plants rank fourth at 9.3%.

A total 12,734 MW worth of new power plants are under construction across Brazil, based on ANEEL's dashboard. Thermal power plants lead the capacity under construction, totalling 38.66%, followed by solar energy at 36.6% and wind power at 11.15%.

Renewable Energy

Combined, renewable energy sources represent the largest installed capacity and those under expansion. Brazil has long been known for its high-renewables power mix; however, in recent years, the capacity and development of wind and solar projects have been gaining traction.

The expansion of renewable power is in line with the government's efforts to remain a clean energy powerhouse and reduce its energy emissions. However, this is also opening key business for the South American nation.

As part of this, Brazil has been trying to position itself as a destination for new data centres, given the dominance of its renewable energy in its power supply. As an example, Casa dos Ventos closed Latin America's largest renewable energy contract for a data centre, according to a company statement, by partnering with Ascenty with a deal of more than half a billion U.S. dollars to construct two projects with a combined capacity of 1,500 MW to supply 110 average MW (aMW).

Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Industrial Manufacturing Project Database can learn more about the Casa dos Ventos development--including capacities, investment values and necessary equipment--from a detailed list of project reports.

Industrial Info energy is tracking more than 1,900 renewable power and energy storage projects across Brazil, amounting to more than US$629 billion in investment. Subscribers can learn more from a detailed list of project reports.

Key Takeaways

• Brazil added 7,403 MW of new capacity in 2025.
• For 2026, the country will increase new added capacity by 23.4% to 9,142 MW.
• Industrial Info is tracking more than 1,900 renewable and energy storage projects in Brazil worth more than US$629 billion.

---

About IIR News Intelligence
IIR News Intelligence is a trusted source of news for the industrial process and energy markets, powered by Industrial Info Resources' Global Market Intelligence (GMI).

About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR News Intelligence) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking more than 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).