Challenges for sustainability in Brazil’s energy system are quite different from those observed in other countries around the globe. It ranks first in the world on total renewable water resources at around 8,6 trillion cubic meters available per year, almost twice the second place (Russia with 4,5 trillion) and representing about 15,7% of the global total. This wealth also turns it into one of the top countries in hydroelectric potential, estimated at 172 GW, of which about 60% is already being used. Consequently, the participation of renewable sources in the Brazilian energy matrix is very significant, especially in comparison with other major economies. In 2021, renewables represented 46% of Brazil’s primary energy consumption, a share far superior to the observed consumption for the OECD countries of 15%. This is reflected in the profile of the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in which energy-related emissions are not predominant and mostly come from the transport sector. Thus, Brazil’s energy transition strategies must consider these fundamental differences and the contradictions and limits present in the current system configuration. With the goal of decarbonizing the generation of electricity largely fulfilled and the fast growth of solar and wind participation on a predominantly hydro-powered matrix, there is still work to be done in assuring the diversification of sources and the security of the system. In addition, social issues must be addressed when considering a genuinely sustainable vision for the energy system, and this is a matter Brazil still is far behind. With a history of silencing and violation of rights in high-impact energy projects, environmental justice must be a major concern for shifting the country towards a just energy transition.
In such context, the present paper analyses the evolution of the electric matrix of the Brazilian state of São Paulo, between 2012 and 2022, through the lens of the just energy transition, focusing on distributional justice issues. Two major water crisis events that occurred in 2014-2015 and 2021 were more thoroughly analyzed to assess their impacts on the state’s electric system.
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