For the first time, solar energy in Brazil exceeds Itaipu hydroelectric power plant

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazil has just surpassed the mark of 14 gigawatts (GW) of operational power from the photovoltaic solar source, adding the large plants and the systems of own generation of electricity on roofs, facades, and small plots of land. With this, the solar source exceeds the installed power of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant, according to the mapping of the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (ABSOLAR).

According to the entity, the solar source has already brought to Brazil more than R$74.6 billion (US$14.6 billion) in new investments, R$20.9 billion in revenue to the public coffers, and generated more than 420,000 jobs accumulated since 2012. The emission of 18.0 million tons of CO2 in electricity generation was also avoided.

For the CEO of ABSOLAR, Rodrigo Sauaia, the advancement of solar energy in Brazil via large plants and self-generation in homes, small businesses, rural properties, and public buildings is fundamental to the social, economic, and environmental development of Brazil. “The source helps diversify the supply of electrical energy in the country, reducing the pressure on water resources and the risk of even more increases in the population’s electricity bill,” he comments.

“Large-scale solar plants generate electricity at prices up to ten times lower than emergency fossil thermoelectric plants or electricity imported from neighboring countries today, two of the main culprits currently responsible for tariff increases on consumers,” adds Sauaia.

This year, the industry expects accelerated growth in solar systems in operation in Brazil, especially solar self-generation systems, due to the increase in electricity tariffs and the entry into force of Law 14,300/2022, which created the legal framework for self-generation of energy.

“This is the best time to invest in solar energy, precisely because of the new increase already foreseen in the electricity bill of Brazilians and the transition period provided by the law, which guarantees until 2045 the maintenance of the current rules for consumers who install a solar system on their roof by January 2023,” explains Ronaldo Koloszuk, president of ABSOLAR’s Board of Directors.

Brazil has 4.7 GW of installed power in large solar plants, equivalent to 2.4% of the country’s electricity matrix. Since 2012, large solar plants have brought to Brazil more than R$25.1 billion in new investments and more than 142,000 jobs accumulated, besides providing a collection of R$7.9 billion to the public coffers.

Currently, large solar plants are the sixth-largest source of generation in Brazil, present in all regions of the country, with projects in operation in 19 Brazilian states and a portfolio of 31.6 GW granted for development.

There is 9.3 GW of installed capacity from the solar source in the own-energy generation segment. It is equivalent to more than R$49.5 billion in investments, R$11.0 billion in revenue, and about 278,000 jobs accumulated since 2012, spread across the five regions of Brazil. Solar technology is currently used in 99.9% of all self-generation connections in the country, leading the segment by far.

When adding the installed capacity of large plants and self-generation of solar energy, the solar source occupies fifth place in the Brazilian electricity matrix. The solar source has already surpassed the installed capacity of thermoelectric plants that run on oil and other fossil fuels in the Brazilian electricity matrix.

According to Koloszuk, besides being competitive and accessible, solar energy is quick to install and helps to ease the consumer’s pocket, reducing up to 90% of their expenses with electricity. “Competitive and clean electric energy is fundamental for the country to recover its economy and grow. The solar source is part of this solution and a true engine for generating opportunities and new jobs,” he concludes.

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