RZK Energia shines a light on growth plans and solar power in Brazil

RZK Energia recently opened its first power plant in Brazil’s Piauí state – the Junco solar farm in Teresina.  

With installed capacity of 6.3MWp, the plant is part of the company's 500mn-real (US$86.5mn) expansion plan.  

João Pedro Correia Neves, partner and advisor at RZK, speaks with BNamericas about the company’s plans and the outlook for the market.

BNamericas: What are RZK’s plans in Piauí state? 

Neves: The company's total investment in the Piauí expansion is approximately 200mn reais, covering the seven solar plants that RZK Energia will put into operation in the state [including Junco].  

In addition to Teresina, the municipalities of Buriti dos Lopes, Geminiano, Pedro II and Santa Rita will host new facilities, each with average installed capacity of 6.3MWp. Together, these plants will total 39MWp, serving 17,000 consumer units and small and medium-sized businesses.  

BNamericas: Does RZK have energy generation projects under development in other states?  

Neves: We have projects across nearly all of Brazil, in states such as Ceará, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Bahia, Espírito Santo, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Tocantins, Brasília, Paraná and Santa Catarina.  

Planned investments total approximately 500mn reais, with expected installed capacity of 347MWp. 

BNamericas: Is the company seeking partners and/or financing sources? Does it consider mergers and acquisitions?  

Neves: Yes, the company maintains continuous contact with market players to constantly optimize its operations and implement its business plan.  

BNamericas: Do the increased import tariffs on photovoltaic modules and curtailments impact RZK’s plans in any way?

Neves: These are developments that don't contribute to the growth of the energy market, especially considering that the solutions are relatively simple but take longer than necessary to implement.  

This situation sends negative signals to potential investors in Brazil, precisely at a time when the country has a unique opportunity to establish itself as a global hub for clean energy, producing goods and data powered by renewable sources.  

BNamericas: Are greenfield projects still attractive despite the surplus of renewable energy in the country?  

Neves: With the current interest rates, making new projects feasible has become increasingly challenging.