São Paulo, Brazil – In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy production, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas celebrated the inauguration of the first phase of the Araucária Floating Solar Power Plant, situated in the Billings Reservoir in the southern zone of the capital. This solar power plant is poised to revolutionize the generation of clean and accessible energy in Brazil’s largest metropolis.
Initial Investment of R$30 Million in the Floating Solar Power Plant
With an initial investment of R$30 million, the Araucária Floating Photovoltaic Plant has the capacity to produce up to 10 GWh per year of solar energy, equivalent to the annual consumption of 4,000 households. The project utilizes the water surface of the Billings Reservoir to generate energy in a sustainable and innovative manner.
“We now have the first commercially operational floating solar power plant in Brazil. It is an example that is here to stay, and we must harness this potential to generate clean, affordable, and economical energy. It’s another step in our energy sustainability policy,”
– Governor Tarcísio de Freitas
A Viable and Secure Alternative
This floating solar power plant represents a viable and secure alternative for densely populated areas like São Paulo. It can be deployed over areas previously used as landfills, dam reservoirs, or lakes formed in exhausted mining pits. The potential is immense, with similar projects underway across the country.
“The Araucária Floating Photovoltaic Plant is the realization of our efforts towards clean energy, energy transition, and decarbonization. Our energy plan extends until 2050, and in the last year, we have identified over R$20 billion in energy projects promoting the circular economy. This means using clean energy to provide high-quality services, coupled with environmental protection and true sustainability,”
– Natália Resende, a representative of the São Paulo government
Technical Details of the Floating Solar Power Plant
The Araucária Floating Solar Power Plant has a peak installed power of 7 MW, with a 5 MW connection power. Photovoltaic panels are installed on high-density polyethylene floaters. The plant awaits the issuance of the operating license by Cetesb (Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo) to commence energy production.
Upon full operation, the Araucária plant will become Brazil’s largest distributed generation facility, with generators located near consumption centers. The plant’s production will offset electricity consumption for customers through compensation on their utility bills.
The São Paulo government highlighted that the plant’s implementation created approximately 200 jobs in just two months. Furthermore, the plant’s footprint on the surface of the Billings Reservoir is less than 0.1% of the total area, resulting in minimal environmental impact.
Why on water
Floating solar plants, such as the Araucária project, offer unique advantages that contribute to their growing popularity in the renewable energy landscape. The use of water bodies for solar installations not only maximizes land use efficiency but also addresses the challenge of land scarcity in urban areas. This innovative approach helps mitigate environmental impact by repurposing existing water surfaces, minimizing the need for additional land and preserving ecosystems.
Furthermore, the cooling effect of water enhances the efficiency of solar panels, as lower temperatures contribute to improved performance and prolonged lifespan. The floating design also reduces water evaporation from reservoirs, offering a dual benefit by conserving water resources. The synergy of harnessing solar energy on water surfaces exemplifies the potential for sustainable energy solutions that align with environmental stewardship and urban development needs. Floating solar plants emerge as a promising frontier, fostering a harmonious balance between energy production and ecological preservation.
São Paulo Leads in Solar Energy Generation
São Paulo currently leads the nation in solar energy generation. The state boasts an energy potential of 3.8 gigawatts installed through solar capture, according to the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR). This potential is more than sufficient to meet the needs of over 400,000 consumers.
The completion of the Araucária Floating Solar Power Plant is expected by the end of 2025, delivering an additional 75 MW of renewable energy, representing a total investment of R$450 million.
The inauguration of the Araucária Floating Photovoltaic Plant marks a significant milestone in São Paulo’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix, demonstrating the state’s commitment to leading the solar energy revolution in Brazil. With projects like these, São Paulo is paving the way for a greener and energetically efficient future.
Source: SEMIL
