With 91% of electricity generation coming from renewable sources in 2024, Brazil stands out as a leader in the energy transition in Latin America. This data is one of the highlights of the “Grid Indicators Latin America” study, developed by PSR, which provides a detailed diagnosis of the performance of transmission and distribution networks in 12 countries in the region. The grid indicators analyze aspects such as reliability, quality of service, access to energy, integration and participation of renewable sources in the grid, and sectoral governance.

The report evaluated the electricity systems of the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. The analysis considered five major dimensions: participation of renewable sources; quality and accessibility of service; system reliability; flexibility in integrating intermittent sources, such as solar and wind; and strategic aspects, such as long-term planning and integration between countries through energy exchanges.

Among the main findings, the study highlights the diversity in grid performance. Some countries already have a high share of renewables in their energy mixes, with advances in electrification rates and loss reduction. Conversely, others still face challenges such as delays in infrastructure expansion and challenges in integrating new generation sources.

PSR also analyzed the relationship between demand growth and grid expansion in each country. The survey showed that, in some cases, the electricity grid infrastructure has been able to keep up with increased consumption, while in others, the grid grows more slowly than demand, potentially posing risks to the security of the energy supply.

“In a scenario of growing demand and the advancement of renewables, the expansion capacity of transmission and distribution networks can be one of the main bottlenecks in ensuring the security and reliability of the electricity system in the region,” emphasizes Amanda Fernandes, head of the Grids area at PSR and coordinator of the study.

By presenting this regional overview, the report highlights the importance of continued investment in grid infrastructure, policies that ensure greater operational flexibility, and efforts to expand energy access in Latin America. Similar initiatives have already been undertaken by PSR in countries in Asia and Africa.

See the full study at: https://psr-energy.com/docs/report_insight_gridIndicators.pdf