Brazilian PV market is maturing faster than expected – comment
The strong performance delivered by PV in Wednesday’s auction has demonstrated the solid market fundamentals of Brazil’s solar sector, and an improving competitive landscape. The winners of the auction included both major international players and local companies. Despite the auction’s surprising outcome, which was also driven by cheaper equipment and a stronger Real, PV technology will not be included in the upcoming A-6 auction.
Brazil allocates 806 MW of solar in A-4 auction, final average price drops to $35.2/MWh
Around 20 GW of solar PV projects were initially competing in the contest. PV was again the source with the largest share, accounting for around 80% of total assigned capacity. The final average price for solar was 118 BRL (US$35.2)/MWh.
Gas Natural Fenosa enters Brazilian solar market with 83 MW acquisition
The seller of the two PV projects, both to be developed in the state of Minas Gerais, is Chinese-Canadian solar module manufacturer, Canadian Solar. The €95 million transaction enables the Spanish power and gas provider to make its entry into the Brazilian solar market, after it secured its first large-scale PV projects in Spain in last summer’s auction.
Powerchina plans to invest in solar in Brazilian state of Mato Grosso
The Chinese energy infrastructure developer, which is already building a transmission line in the north of the state, has planned to build several large-scale solar facilities across the region, the first of which is expected to require an investment of over US$300 million.
Brazil plans RE auctions for isolated regions
The Brazilian government is planning to resort to renewable energies to meet power demand in the non-interconnected areas in the north of the country. Meanwhile, another Brazilian state, Santa Catarina, has decided to introduce the ICMS exemption for solar DG.
Brazil’s BNDES reduces interest rate for loans for large-scale solar from 1.7% to 0.9%
After improving financing conditions for solar and renewable energy projects in upcoming auctions in November, the Brazilian Development Bank has now agreed to considerably reduce the interest rate for loans devoted to projects in the areas of public safety, innovation, environment, solar energy, sanitation, solid waste treatment and professional qualification.
Interview: There is a long positive road ahead for solar in Brazil
In an interview with pv magazine, head of the Brazilian government-run energy agency EPE, Luiz Augusto Barroso explains how the newly-implemented mechanism for power auctions was conceived for ensuring a more market-oriented approach and increasing competition. Barroso adds that the upcoming A-4 auction, which includes solar, may have a slightly bigger outcome than the auction held in December, and that the inclusion of solar in the A-6 auction, which is expected to be held in the second half of this year, is being considered.
Brazil prepares to join ISA, reaches 200 MW of solar DG
Twenty countries, including Brazil, have already ratified their alliance with the organization. For the executive president of ABSOLAR, the initiative will represent a strategic step to position Brazil as a main player in the international solar PV sector. Meanwhile, the cumulative installed capacity of DGPV system connected to the Brazilian grid has reached 200 MW.
Brazil: Ceiling price for solar in upcoming auction set at $96/MWh
For the A-4 April auction, the Brazilian regulator ANEEL has already pre-qualified solar projects with a combined capacity of 20 GW. The maximum price for wind projects has been set at around $79/MWh.
State Grid of China’s offer to acquire Brazil’s CPFL Renovaveis judged too low
The renewable energy unit of the Brazilian power distributor, CPFL Energia is the largest shareholder in the country’s distributed solar energy business. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) from the Chinese utility, however, has been deemed too low by the Brazilian securities market authority.
