Brazil may be at an increased risk for blackouts this year amid a historic drought and a lack of measures to mitigate power shortages. Hydropower makes up 65% of the Brazilian power generation mix but the country is facing the most severe drought in 91 years. There is a high chance of power supply not being able to meet demand in the second half of this year, at the height of the dry season. But Brazilian energy authorities do not have a plan to address power shortages, such as implementing controlled rolling blackouts, meaning consumers are not being prepared for power rationing. And power sector regulations lack incentives for industrial consumers to lower their use during peak consumption hours.

Jun 21, 2021 - Reuters

Corruption-ensnared Odebrecht SA has proposed that creditors take over its sugar and ethanol unit, Atvos Agroindustrial Participacoes SA, in exchange for reducing Odebrecht’s huge debt load, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter. The move is the latest sign of the radical way in which Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht, best known for its engineering and construction operations, is remaking itself to renegotiate US$ 15 billion in consolidated debt. Atvos has about 12 billion reais in debt with various lenders, including state-controlled Banco do Brasil, Caixa Economica Federal and development bank BNDES, as well as private Banco Bradesco Itau Unibanco Holding and Banco Santander Brasil.

Jun 21, 2021 - The New York Times

Crops have shriveled up under searing heat. Immense water reservoirs, which generate the bulk of Brazil’s electricity, are growing alarmingly shallow. And the world’s largest waterfall system, Iguaçu Falls, has been reduced from a torrent to a trickle. As Brazil approaches 500,000 deaths from Covid-19, a worsening drought is imperiling the country’s ability to jump-start its beleaguered economy, and may set the stage for another intensely destructive fire season in the Amazon rainforest. Several states in the country are facing the worst drought in at least 90 years. The crisis has led to higher electricity prices, the threat of water rationing and a disruption of crop growing cycles. Agriculture, an economic engine of the nation — which relies heavily on hydropower — is now at risk.

Jun 18, 2021 - Smart Energy

EDP and Brazil-headquartered Embraer are partnering to advance energy storage and battery charging technologies for electric aviation. The multinational EDP, through its EDP Smart division, has committed to a financial contribution for the acquisition of energy storage and battery charging technologies for Embraer’s all-electric demonstrator aircraft project. The prototype, which is already in development, is scheduled to complete its inaugural flight in 2021.