Atlas Renewable Energy announces new solar plant In Brazil

In 2015, the Juazeiro Solar Plant was contracted through a 20 year energy purchase agreement (PPA) in a regulated auction. Now the plant's 475 200 modules span over 350 ha., and is projected to generate 357 GWh annually, which could benefit 207 592 families/y and reduce the emission of more than 47 000 t of carbon dioxide, according to the company's calculations.

The plant uses the first digital substation in the region. 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 more efficient operation of utility networks including monitoring, diagnostics and control.

The company donated hundreds of seedlings of the Giant Umbu species, a native plant that can be used as a source of income for the neighbouring communities and that contributes to the local biodiversity, preserving Caatinga Biome, flora unique to Brazil's northeastern region.

Carlos Barrera, the company’s CEO, stated that "our 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 recognised 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."

Luis Pita, the company’s General Manager for Brazil, emphasised that, "Our team at Atlas Renewable Energy delivers large-scale projects that contribute to Brazil's continuously-growing renewable energy market and reliably deliver clean energy to consumers. We do so with careful attention to all stakeholders, to ensure a positive effect to the broadest ecosystem."

Atlas Renewable Energy has been an active player in the development of Brazil's renewable energy sector for the past years through investments totalling R$1.3 billion to date, of which R$600 million were financed by BNB. In Brazil, the company operates 304 MWp and has an additional 117 MWp under construction, totalling 421 MWp of photovoltaic projects in the country. In April 2019, the company began construction of its fourth project, the Sertão Solar Barreiras, in the state of Bahia, expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/solar/22082019/atlas-renewable-energy-announces-new-solar-plant-in-brazil/