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Recent hydrological droughts in Brazil and their impacts on energy security
  • +10
  • Luz Cuartas,
  • Ana Paula Cunha,
  • Jessica Alves,
  • Larissa Pinto,
  • Karinne Deusdará Leal,
  • Lidiane Costa,
  • Ruben Molina,
  • Elisangela Broedel,
  • Pamela Araújo,
  • Marcelo Seluchi,
  • Diogo Amore,
  • Regina Alvalá,
  • Jose Marengo
Luz Cuartas
CEMADEN (National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters)

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Ana Paula Cunha
CEMADEN (National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters)
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Jessica Alves
UNESP
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Larissa Pinto
UNESP
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Karinne Deusdará Leal
CEMADEN (National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters)
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Lidiane Costa
CEMADEN (National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters)
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Ruben Molina
University of Antioquia
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Elisangela Broedel
CEMADEN (National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters)
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Pamela Araújo
UNESP
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Marcelo Seluchi
CEMADEN (National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters)
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Diogo Amore
CEMADEN (National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters)
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Regina Alvalá
CEMADEN (National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters)
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Jose Marengo
CEMADEN (National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters)
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Abstract

Brazil is heavily reliant on water resources. Hydroelectric plants generate about 64% of all electricity consumed. To increase yield capacity, a 2050 expansion is also planned. 78% of water used is for agriculture (irrigation and livestock), 9% for industry, and 9.1% for urban supply. However, the country has endured the worst droughts in recorded history over the last two decades, resulting in severe socioeconomic and environmental impacts. The purpose of this study was to determine the current state of knowledge regarding hydrological drought patterns, hydrometeorological factors, and their effects on the country’s hydroelectric power plants. Droughts have occurred in most of Brazil’s regions since 2014/15, causing severe impacts in many of the basins studied. Now that most hydroelectric power plants are operating at a fraction of their total capacity, the country’s hydroelectric generation is been impacted.