Large solar farms and small self-generation projects generate 16.6 GW, which surpasses natural gas and biomass
07/20/2022
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There are a total of 16.4 gigawatts (GW) of solar power in large solar farms and small self-generation projects — Foto: Pixabay
Solar photovoltaic power has surpassed the installed capacity of natural gas and biomass thermoelectric plants and is now the third largest source in the national power generation mix, behind only hydroelectric plants and wind farms, according to a survey carried out by the Brazilian Association of Solar Power (Absolar), with data from the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (Aneel).
There are a total of 16.4 gigawatts (GW) of solar power in large solar farms and small self-generation projects, compared to 16.3 GW of natural gas and 16.3 GW of biomass. According to Absolar, since 2012 the solar source has brought Brazil more than R$ 86.2 billion in new investments, R$ 22.8 billion in revenue to the public coffers, and generated more than 479,800 jobs. This has also avoided the emission of 23.6 million tonnes of CO2 in electricity generation.
For Carlos Dornellas, director of the entity, the growth of solar power in Brazil, through large solar farms and self-generation in homes, small businesses, rural properties, and public buildings, is fundamental for the social, economic, and environmental development of Brazil.
“The solar source helps to 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,” says Mr. Dornellas. “The large-scale solar farms generate electricity at prices up to ten times lower than emergency fossil thermoelectric plants or electricity imported from neighboring countries, two of the main responsible for the tariff increases on consumers.”
A large photovoltaic farm becomes operational in less than 18 months, from auction to electricity generation. On the other hand, the source is intermittent and does not generate energy during the night.
Hydroelectric plants occupy the first position in the generation power mix, with more than 109 GW of installed capacity, and wind power follows in second place, with 21.9 GW of power.
*By Robson Rodrigues — São Paulo
Source: Valor International