The dry season in Brazil has come early and the imports of liquefied natural gas during the first days of April have jumped, according to Platts unit Eclipse Energy.
The information from Brazil’s National Electric System operator shows that rainfall in April will total 85% of the monthly average, which as reported earlier could not be enough to keep the reservoir levels in check. Brazil’s dry season runs from April through November and the country’s hydroelectric dams generate enough power to cover 80% of the demand.
LNG imports activity in early April shows that the country could be looking increase the use of chilled gas for power generation. Four LNG carriers have delivered 11.76 Bcf of gas in the first ten days of April and if the pace continues, imports could surpass those of April last year by over 50%.
Current forecasts show that Southeast and Midwest dams, where most of Brazil’s hydroelectric power generation comes from, could only cover 56.2% of the country’s total hydroelectric power during April.
LNG World News Staff; Image: Petrobras