Brazil’s Grid Upgrade Powers New Era in Clean Energy

A digital revamp of Brazil’s power grid is cutting waste and opening the door to faster renewable expansion.

1 May 2025

Brazil is quietly pulling off one of the most consequential upgrades to its power grid in decades, and it’s all happening in real time.

At the core of this transformation is a digital monitoring system launched by ONS, the national grid operator. Built with software from UK-based tech firm AVEVA, the system allows operators to detect faults and reroute electricity in minutes. That same process once dragged on for hours. The goal is simple: maximise the use of renewable power and cut waste.

In its first year alone, the new system has already made a measurable impact, preventing renewable energy losses that could have powered hundreds of thousands of homes.

This shift comes as Brazil accelerates investment in wind and solar energy to meet climate targets. Improved grid efficiency means new clean energy projects can be connected faster, with fewer delays and less red tape.

Multinational companies are responding. Amazon is expanding its data centre footprint in Brazil, citing the country’s renewable potential. Meanwhile, Siemens is seeing rising demand from utilities looking to modernise with smart technologies.

Experts say the benefits go beyond speed and savings. Real-time control over Brazil’s vast and sometimes fragile power network could help reduce blackouts and improve reliability. Both are critical to attracting long-term investment.

Challenges remain. Some regions still rely on ageing infrastructure, and there is a growing need for technicians trained to manage digital systems. Even so, analysts say the early results are promising.

By putting live data at the centre of its grid operations, Brazil is not just pushing toward cleaner energy. It is laying the groundwork for a more stable, smarter energy future.