Can Brazil’s Smart Grid Supercharge a Green Boom?

Real-time monitoring cuts energy waste and boosts investor interest in Brazil’s clean power transition

9 May 2025

Brazil’s national grid operator has introduced real-time monitoring systems to reduce energy waste and support the expansion of renewable power, marking one of the most significant technological upgrades to its electricity infrastructure in years.

Operated by ONS, the system uses software from UK-based industrial technology firm AVEVA to detect faults and redirect power flows within minutes. The process had previously taken hours. According to ONS, the upgrade has already avoided enough renewable energy curtailments to power hundreds of thousands of homes.

The shift comes as Brazil increases investment in wind and solar energy to meet national clean energy targets. The improved grid efficiency is expected to accelerate project approvals and simplify the connection of new renewable sources to the network.

International companies are taking notice. Amazon has cited Brazil’s renewable strengths as a key reason for expanding its data centre operations in the country. Siemens, one of the world’s largest suppliers of grid technology, reports growing demand for smart systems as Brazilian utilities seek to modernise.

Experts believe the new monitoring tools could help prevent blackouts, reduce operating costs and improve grid reliability across the country’s vast power network. “This leap in grid efficiency signals to investors that Brazil is building a robust, green energy future,” said an energy analyst based in São Paulo.

Challenges remain, including ageing infrastructure in remote regions and a shortage of technical staff trained in digital systems. Nevertheless, the early results from the ONS deployment suggest that progress is underway.

By placing real-time data at the centre of its grid operations, Brazil is positioning itself as a rising hub for clean energy investment and a model for managing renewable power at scale.