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Renewables met 68% of Brazil’s electricity demand during FIFA World Cup
Brazil’s power system handled record World Cup demand swings without supply disruptions, with renewable energy sources providing 86% of electricity generation during the tournament. Advance planning and enhanced grid monitoring enabled the operator to manage rapid load increases of up to 12.8 GW following matches.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup was held without any electricity supply disruptions in Brazil. During the tournament, renewable energy sources accounted for 86% of electricity generation in Brazil’s National Interconnected System (SIN), according to a report from the National Electric System Operator (ONS).
The ONS said advance planning for the tournament enabled the grid to safely manage rapid fluctuations in electricity demand associated with match schedules, particularly at halftime and the final whistle, when millions of consumers simultaneously resumed using household appliances and other electrical equipment.
The largest increase in demand occurred during the Brazil-Japan match, when load rose by 12,783 MW, equivalent to the combined average electricity consumption of the states of Paraná and Minas Gerais. The ONS described it as the steepest load ramp recorded during the tournament.
Other Brazil matches also produced significant demand spikes. During the Scotland-Brazil match, demand increased by 8,546 MW, equivalent to the average load of Paraná and Bahia combined. The Brazil-Norway match recorded a 7,128 MW increase, equivalent to the average load of Minas Gerais. In another match against Norway, demand rose by 7,011 MW, equivalent to the combined average load of Rio de Janeiro and Rondônia.
The ONS said other World Cup matches also required heightened operational attention. The Germany-Paraguay match caused a 4,450 MW load ramp within 20 minutes, while the Argentina-Cape Verde match recorded a 3,000 MW increase over 11 minutes.
To maintain system reliability, the operator strengthened real-time monitoring of the SIN and increased coordination with generation, transmission, and distribution companies. It also carried out operational studies to anticipate different scenarios based on expected demand, weather conditions, and system availability.
ONS Director General Marcio Rea said advance planning and coordination across the electricity sector were essential to maintaining reliable system operation throughout the tournament.
“The World Cup required coordinated action and continuous monitoring of the electrical system. Prior planning and integration with stakeholders ensured that demand was met safely throughout the event,” he said.