Milestone Achievement
On 10 September 2025, Brazil announced that the northern state of Roraima has been officially connected to the national electricity grid for the first time. For decades, Roraima had been the country’s only state operating outside the grid, relying on costly thermal generation and imports from neighboring Venezuela. The connection was made possible by the completion of a high-voltage transmission line linking Roraima to the grid through Manaus, Amazonas.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The integration of Roraima is expected to generate annual savings of roughly R$600 million (≈ US$110 million) by reducing dependence on diesel and fuel oil. Beyond cost efficiency, the move significantly lowers carbon emissions, since thermal generation accounted for the bulk of Roraima’s electricity supply. Officials emphasized that connecting Roraima also improves energy security and resilience, reducing the risk of blackouts and supply disruptions that plagued the state during years of reliance on unstable cross- border supply contracts.
Broader Significance
This achievement is considered a landmark in Brazil’s energy transition. By completing full national grid integration, Brazil not only ensures more equitable access to reliable electricity but also lays the groundwork for expanding renewable generation in Roraima, an area with high potential for solar and wind power. Analysts view the project as a step toward modernizing Brazil’s energy infrastructure, aligning with long-term goals to decarbonize the power sector and attract green investment. For Roraima’s 600,000 residents, it is both a symbolic and practical leap into Brazil’s energy future.