Sao Paulo
Hydropower operators in southern Brazil are preparing for heavier rainfall and possible flooding as scientists warn that a severe El Niño weather pattern could affect the region in the coming months.
Brazilian units of China Three Gorges (CTG) and French energy company Engie said they are strengthening safety and emergency measures to manage large volumes of water that may need to be released from reservoirs. Preparations include testing spillways, improving flood protection at power facilities and coordinating with communities living downstream from dams.
Brazil depends on hydropower for around two-thirds of its electricity generation, making changes in rainfall patterns a major concern for energy security. While hydropower provides flexible and relatively clean electricity, prolonged droughts and extreme rainfall can disrupt operations and place pressure on the national power system.
Rainfall across hydroelectric basins in southern Brazil reached 256 per cent of the long-term average in July, according to data from grid operator ONS. Reservoir levels rose to 88 per cent of capacity, recovering from critically low levels of around 30 per cent recorded in April after months of unfavourable weather.
Meteorologists said the recent heavy rainfall was not directly caused by El Niño, but the climate phenomenon is expected to begin influencing southern Brazil in the coming weeks. El Nino typically warms Pacific Ocean surface temperatures and can bring intense rainfall to southern Brazil while increasing drought risks in the Amazon region.
The previous El Niño in 2024 caused widespread flooding in southern Brazil and disrupted hydropower operations. Several plants were forced to halt generation, while reduced output in the Amazon increased the country’s dependence on more polluting energy sources.
CTG said it began implementing risk-management measures in June, earlier than its usual September schedule. The company is testing spillways, acquiring flood-control equipment and updating emergency procedures for communities near its 14 plants.
Engie Brasil said it has also strengthened weather monitoring, contingency planning and preventive measures across its hydropower facilities as authorities and energy companies remain on high alert.