Rio - The acting Minister of Mines and Energy, Nelson Hübner, said yesterday (1) that investments in the Brazilian energy sector are not lacking and there is enough energy to meet demand through 2008, even if the country grows at rates superior to 4%, according to analyses by the Ministry itself. According to Hübner, investments of over US$ 8 billion are planned over the next five years just to complete construction of the 43 hydroelectric plants awarded to the highest bidders by the previous Administration.

"The situation of the electric energy system today is quite comfortable from the perspective of guaranteeing the supply of electric power. The situation was already comfortable last year in terms of installed capacity - despite the critical situation in Northeastern Brazil at the end of last year. Today we have an average of around 70% in our reservoirs, including the Northeast region, where there were heavy rains in the area of the São Francisco River," the Minister affirmed.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Nielmar de Oliveira
Translator: David Silberstein
09/02/2004