Atlas Renewable Energy announces that its fourth project in Brazil, Sertão Solar Barreiras Complex, is fully operational. The plant has an installed capacity of 117MWp (megawatts peak) and will generate an estimated 275 GWh yearly. Located in Barreiras, state of Bahia, the solar complex now adds to the company's portfolio, totaling 421 MWp of photovoltaic projects in the country. The total amount invested in the plant was approximately R $350M, equivalent to over USD 83M.
Sertão Solar Barreiras Complex was contracted through a 20-year energy purchase agreement (PPA) sponsored by the Brazilian government's auction in 2017 (New Energy Auction - 25º LEN). Now the plant's 349.253 modules are projected to generate 275 GWh annually, which could benefit 145.000 families per year and reduce the emissions of more than 34,000 tons of carbon dioxide, according to the company's calculations.
Carlos Barrera, CEO at Atlas Renewable Energy, stated that "Atlas Renewable Energy delivers large-scale projects that contribute to Latin America's continuously-growing renewable energy market and reliably deliver clean energy to consumers. We always do so with careful attention to all stakeholders, to ensure a positive effect to the broadest ecosystem". He recognized Banco de Nordeste de Brasil for their financial support and broader role in accelerating investment in renewable energy projects throughout the country's northeast region, as well as Bradesco, Banco ABC Brasil and BTG Pactual for supporting the Sertao project and other similar clean energy initiatives. "We aim to continue growing and expanding our Brazilian operations with new investments, as we continue to bring a standard of excellence to every project we develop."
Luis Pita, Atlas Renewable Energy's General Manager for Brazil, emphasized that, "Atlas Renewable Energy has been well positioned in the Brazilian market as a major player in the renewable energy industry. Our presence is continuously growing and becoming more consolidated. Our company now successfully operates four plants, representing 421 MWp in Brazil, namely São Pedro, Juazeiro, Sol do Futuro, and Sertão Solar, with several others expected over the next years." He continued, "The role of solar PV in Brazil's Northeast and the country's electricity matrix is rising continuously with strong potential in the free energy market. The competitiveness of renewable energy in Brazil, combined with the carbon emissions reduction it offers, is a compelling proposition for most free market consumers".
