A landmark collaboration between Solar Americas Capital and beverage giant Ambev has culminated in the commissioning of a new 5 MW solar power plant in Cachoeiras do Macacu, Rio de Janeiro. The facility, situated adjacent to Ambev’s factory, is now operational and will provide clean power directly to the company’s operations through an array of approximately 9,000 solar panels.
The project utilizes a ‘behind-the-meter’ configuration, a strategic design that allows the solar installation to supply energy directly to Ambev, bypassing the public distribution network. Christian Ferrari, Strategic Sourcing at AB InBev, highlighted the advantages of this approach. “One of the key benefits of this behind-the-meter deployment is the direct link between energy generation and consumption, which ensures that AMBEV has access to 100% certifiable and renewable energy while also benefiting from lower costs by eliminating the need for the transmission and distribution network,” Ferrari stated. He added, “We are happy to see the results and partner with Solar Americas in this long-term strategic project.”
Annually, the plant is projected to generate nearly 7,000 MWh of clean electricity, sufficient to power about 3,000 homes. This substantial output will yield significant environmental benefits. Based on data from the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, which states each MWh of solar power in Brazil displaces over 300 kg of CO2, the facility is expected to prevent more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This impact is equivalent to the carbon sequestration of planting over 100,000 trees.
The project underscores a shared commitment to sustainable goals. “The project demonstrates Ambev’s commitment to environmental protection and innovation. We are proud to be selected to work with such a great team at Ambev,” commented Tiago Alves, Co-Founder and Commercial Director of Solar Americas. His colleague, Co-Founder and Financial Director Jose Tenorio, elaborated on their company’s role in the sector. “Solar Americas co-funds, identifies, builds, and manages solar assets for commercial and industrial partners… The launch of the Cachoeiras do Macacu solar plant marks a major step forward for Solar Americas, and we remain committed to providing affordable, clean, and renewable energy solutions to our customers around the world.”
This initiative is part of a growing trend where corporate demand for clean power acts as a major catalyst for the energy transition. On-site generation models like this one enhance the overall efficiency of the energy grid and play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar photovoltaics in particular offer a robust solution to the energy trilemma, delivering on security, affordability, and accessibility.
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