Key facts
- Hydropower plants in southern Brazil are preparing for increased rainfall due to an anticipated severe El Niño.
- Operators are conducting spillway tests and reviewing emergency protocols for downstream communities.
- Brazil's electricity grid is heavily dependent on hydropower, which provides around two-thirds of its generation.
- Scientists predict El Niño will cause heavy rains in southern Brazil and drought in the Amazon region.
- July rainfall in southern Brazil's hydroelectric basins was 256% above the long-term average, raising reservoir levels to 88% capacity.
Hydropower plants in southern Brazil are increasing preparations for heavier rainfall as scientists anticipate a severe El Niño event in the coming months. Major operators, including Brazilian units of China Three Gorges (CTG) and French Engie, are reviewing their plans to manage potentially large volumes of water that may need to be discharged from dams, ensuring operational safety and engaging with downstream communities.
Brazil's electricity grid is significantly reliant on hydropower, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of its total generation. While these plants offer crucial flexibility, they are also susceptible to changes in rainfall patterns influenced by El Niño and broader climate change. Scientists forecast that this El Niño will bring substantial rainfall to southern Brazil while potentially causing drought in the Amazon region.
The last El Niño in 2014 led to reduced output from Amazonian plants and widespread flooding in the south, forcing Brazil to rely on less clean energy sources. The current situation has placed authorities and power generators on high alert regarding energy security.
Rainfall in southern Brazil's hydroelectric basins has already exceeded the long-term average in July, reaching 256%. Local reservoir levels have consequently risen to 88% of capacity, a significant increase from the critical 30% levels seen in April following unfavorable weather conditions. While these recent rains are not directly attributed to El Niño, its influence is expected to begin in the coming weeks, according to meteorologists.
CTG, which manages a substantial hydropower portfolio in the South and Southeast regions, initiated its risk management protocols in June, earlier than usual, due to El Niño concerns. These measures include spillway tests, acquiring flood prevention equipment, and organizing safety protocols for communities downstream from its 14 plants. Engie Brasil also confirmed having contingency and emergency response plans, emphasizing enhanced weather monitoring and preventive measures across its assets and surrounding areas.