Energy Assignment: Part 2

The main energy sources in Brazil are generated by hydropower, oil and mineral coal. Other sources used on a smaller scale include natural gas and nuclear power. Hydropower is the main source of electricity in Brazil. Brazil is the second-largest producer of hydroelectric power in the world and it depends on hydroelectricity for more than 75% of its electric power supply. Much of Brazil’s hydroelectric potential lies in the country’s Amazon River basin in the north, while the population also demands for electricity. Brazil has experienced its worst drought in 40 years, which contributed to electricity blackouts in many Brazilian regions. Brazil has spent more than $5 billion to subsidize electric utilities replacing lost hydroelectric generation with fossil fuel-fired generation, including large amounts of liquefied natural gas and has taken steps to provide backup generations. Brazil’s largest geographic size has required substantial investments in electricity transmission lines and support facilities. To support future economic growth, Brazil has invested in additional hydroelectric facilities. For instance the 14,000-megawatt Belo Monte dam along the Xingu River is expected to be completed in 2016, with a projected cost of $13 billion. Hydroelectric plants in flat areas tend to require much more land. The large Balbina hydroelectric plant, built in a flat area of Brazil, flooded 2,360 square kilometers. Flooding land for hydroelectric reservoir has an extreme environmental impact; it destroys forests, wildlife habitat, agricultural land, and scenic lands. Oil is another main source of Brazilian energy, responsible for 39.3% of energy in the country. Oil is used as an energy source for motor vehicles through the production of gasoline, diesel oil or kerosene; transportation is responsible for 33% of energy use in Brazil. Coal production is used for the generation of thermal energy and it is also used as a primary material for steel industries. The industry sector is responsible for 33.9% of the energy use.