Brazil sets target for 42.5% renewable energy by 2023

Sep 26, 2014 - The Brazilian Mines and Energy Ministry on Wednesday released its 10-year Energy Expansion Plan PDE-2023 which foresees renewable energy to account for 42.5% of the country's total by 2023.

According to data from the energy planning secretariat at the ministry, 41% of all energy generated in 2013 came from hydroelectric, wind, solar and biomass-fired plants. This is far above the global average of 14%, the secretariat noted.

When looking at electricity generation only, Brazil has achieved a renewable power share of 78.4% and that is planned to grow to 86.1% in 2023. The 10-Year plan envisages hydropower to remain the most important renewable energy source in 2023, accounting for 69.4% of the total green generation, against a 70.6% share in 2013. This slight fall will be offset by the growing number of wind, solar and biomass-fired plants in Brazil.

The biodiesel's share in the country's mix is aimed at 6.4% by 2023, with a consumption of 5.4 million cu m (190.7m cu ft). As for ethanol, the PDE-2023 targets production of 47.3 million cu m. Thus, Brazil will be able to export 2.6 million cu m and meet its own domestic needs.

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