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Hydropower is the backbone of the Brazilian electricity generation sector. Even though the use of this resource is advantaged in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, last years׳ severe droughts have exposed the country׳s huge dependency on hydroelectricity. Brazil׳s electricity supply system has shown to be vulnerable to electricity shortages and has demanded significant overhaul in order to address its challenges. The present paper provides a comprehensive review of the current status of the Brazilian electricity sector and discusses diversification of electricity generation mix as a strategy to improve electricity supply security in the country. An overview of the main features of the energy sources applied in Brazil is also presented through a review of the latest available generation data. The central section of this work is a discussion of the main causes of the current crisis and the future role of renewable energy sources in a 10-year perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper aims to identify and quantify the main potential environmental impacts of the sugarcane bagasse electricity generation in Brazil. To do so, it was employed the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique based on primary and secondary data from three previous studies encompassing electricity generation, transmission and distribution processes. It was identified that the main impact potentials of this type of electricity generation in Brazil that should be addressed by decision-makers are the photochemical ozone, the human toxicity via soil and the nutrient enrichment ones, which are caused mainly by the sugarcane straw burning prior harvesting and the chemical application. In addition, it was found that non-renewable resources, renewable resources and energy consumption are also important issues that should be addressed mostly in the process of electricity transmission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The growing demand for electrical power and the limited capital invested to provide this power is forcing countries like Brazil to search for new alternatives for electrical power generation. The purpose of this paper is to present a technical and economic study on a 15kW solar plant installed in an isolated community, highlighting the importance of the need for financial subsidy from the government. It evaluates the importance of parameters such as the annual interest rate, specific investment, the marginal cost of expanding the electrical power supply and the government subsidy on amortization time of capital invested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]