SAO PAULO: Imports of liquefied natural gas to Brazil rose 28% during 2014, totaling 13,472,255 cubic meters, up from 10,514,012 cu m during the year prior, data from Platts unit Bentek Energy showed here the other day.
Rising LNG imports to Brazil come as the tropical nation faces its worst drought in recorded history, according to Sabesp, the agency for basic sanitation services of Sao Paulo.
Brazil relies on hydroelectric dams for upwards of 75% of its total domestic power generation under normal climatic conditions, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy.
During 2014, the Southeast-Midwest region, where 70% of the nation’s hydroelectric capacity is installed, saw reservoir levels decline to just 16.0% of capacity by November, down from 40.3% capacity in January, according to data from the National Electric System Operator. As of Tuesday, data for December was not yet available.
