Climate Policy

Amazon deforestation threatens Brazil’s energy security and generates billions in losses for the electricity sector

Brazil‘s two largest hydroelectric power plants have a combined annual loss of 3.8 thousand GWh of energy due to deforestation.  Press Release – 31 March, 2025 – The deforestation of the Amazon forest is costing Brazil immensely. An unprecedented study by Climate Policy Initiative/PUC-RIO (CPI/PUC-RIO) and Amazon 2030 identifies that the Itaipu and Belo Monte plants, together, lose the equivalent of the electricity consumption of 1.5 million people due to the deforestation of the Amazon raiforest. The energy generation loss causes an annual shortfall of more than US$ 200 million in revenue for the plants. “Hydropower is a renewable, inexpensive source of generation that provides greater flexibility for operating the electricity system. But it is also a source that is very … Continue reading Amazon deforestation threatens Brazil’s energy security and generates billions in losses for the electricity sector