Norwegian energy company Equinor will build a 140-MWp solar park adjacent to its 223-MW Serra da Babilonia I wind complex in Bahia, Brazil.
Equinor’s Rio Energy to Develop 140-MWp Solar Park
Equinor’s local subsidiary, Rio Energy, will oversee the development of the 140-MWp solar park. Acquired by Equinor in 2023, the Brazilian onshore renewables company is the platform for expanding Equinor’s renewable energy portfolio in the country.
In addition to Serra da Babilonia I, Equinor operates two other renewable energy parks in Brazil: the 162-MW Apodi solar park and the 531-MW Mendubim solar complex. Through Rio Energy, the company also has a development pipeline of over 1.5 GW of solar and wind projects.
“We are delighted to approve this investment just seven months after acquiring Rio Energy. Our ownership of this platform provides a solid foundation for developing a profitable renewables portfolio in Brazil by leveraging Rio Energy’s capabilities and maximizing synergies with our trading house, Danske Commodities. This marks our fourth project in Northeast Brazil, highlighting the region’s significance in providing renewable energy sources,” said Veronica Coelho, Equinor country manager in Brazil.
Serra da Babilonia Solar Complex Set for 2025 Operation
The new solar park will use the existing interconnection system of the Serra da Babilonia I wind complex, which avoids the need for additional grid capacity.
This hybrid model allows for complementary power production, supplying solar energy to the grid when the wind project is not using the capacity and optimizing overall output.
Construction of the SdB Solar Complex is set to begin in September 2024, with operations expected to start by the end of 2025.
“SdB Solar represents the first investment decision made under Equinor’s ownership and will be Rio Energy’s inaugural solar project. This milestone is significant for us, and our team is highly motivated to execute the project safely and efficiently,” said Marcos Meireles, CEO of Rio Energy.
Danske Commodities to Market Solar Park Electricity
In line with Equinor’s strategy in Brazil, its energy trading house, Danske Commodities, will market the electricity generated from the solar park. The project is expected to deliver returns consistent with the company’s guidance for renewable energy investments.
“Thanks to the dedicated team at Rio Energy, we are advancing steadily toward our renewable energy goals in Brazil. With the approval of the SdB Solar Complex, we now have approximately 600 MW of solar and wind projects either producing power or under construction in the country. This investment underscores Brazil’s importance as a critical region for achieving our ambition to lead in the energy transition, prioritizing profitable growth in renewables,” said Christian Lie Hansen, vice president of onshore renewables Americas.
The SdB Solar Complex marks a key milestone for Equinor, strengthening its position in Brazil’s renewable energy sector and furthering its goal of contributing to the global energy transition.
