Atlas Renewable Energy Begins Operation of 156 MW Solar Plant in Brazil

Atlas Renewable Energy has announced that its largest project in Brazil, the 156 MW Juazeiro Solar Plant, is now fully operational.

Atlas Renewable Energy, a leader in clean energy across Latin America, has announced that its largest project in Brazil, the 156 MW Juazeiro Solar Plant, is now fully operational. The plant has an installed capacity of 156 MWp and will generate an estimated 357 GWh yearly.

Located in Juazeiro, state of Bahia, it includes the first digital substation installed in Latin America which enhances controllability and reliability. The total amount invested in the plant was approximately 650 million Brazilian Reals, equivalent to USD 165 million.

In 2015, the Juazeiro Solar Plant was contracted through a 20-year energy purchase agreement (PPA) in a Regulated Auction (8º Leilão de Energia de Reserva – 2º LER). Now the plant's 475,200 modules span over 350 hectares and is projected to generate 357 GWh annually, which could benefit 207,592 families per year and reduce the emission of more than 47,000 tons of carbon dioxide, according to the company's calculations.

Using the first digital substation in the region, the Plant breaks technological boundaries by advancing in the efficiency and quality of energy distribution, the company issued in a statement.

A digital substation works like the heart of a power grid, transmitting and distributing electricity to distant locations, while increasing local operators' productivity, safety and reliability. Compared to a conventional substation, digitalisation requires substantially less space, reduces the quantity of copper wire needed, and facilitates the more efficient operation of utility networks including monitoring, diagnostics and control.

Carlos Barrera, CEO at Atlas Renewable Energy, stated that the goal at Atlas Renewable Energy is to lead solar innovation in Latin America and to continue introducing and implementing the most advanced technologies available in the region.

“Atlas continuously looks to the next evolution of this industry, while positioning ourselves as a trusted partner that can deliver the highest standard solar installations." 

He recognized the financial support from Banco do Nordeste (BNB), Pactual, Banco ABC Brasil, and Banco Bradesco for their role in accelerating investment in renewable energy projects throughout the country, "The support from the financial entities has been instrumental; the product of this collaboration is a testament to the role the private sector can play to help support Brazil’s future infrastructure needs,” he said.

In Brazil, Atlas Renewable Energy operates 304 MW and has an additional 117 MW under construction, totaling 421 MW of photovoltaic projects in the country.