Brazil surpasses 15GW of centralized solar power capacity

Brazil has surpassed the 15GW mark of large solar power plants in operation, according to photovoltaic energy association Absolar.

Currently, large solar plants operate in all states, with the northeast leading the way in terms of installed power with 58.6%, followed by the southeast with 40.3%, the south with 0.5%, the north with 0.3% and the center-west (including the federal district) with 0.3%.

The country also has 31.2GW of solar distributed generation. 

As a result, Absolar’s projections for 2024 released last December – of 45.5GW of solar capacity at the end of the year – have already been exceeded. 

CURTAILMENT

Solar projects have suffered recurrent cuts determined by grid operator ONS, “without any control or responsibility on the part of the developers,” Absolar said in a press release. 

Technically called curtailment, the cuts consist of limiting all or part of a plant's electricity production to maintain the stability of the transmission network.

These actions became more frequent after a blackout left six northeastern states without electricity in August last year. 

Absolar says the cuts are a reminder of the need to step up planning and investment in electric power infrastructure, especially in transmission lines and new ways of storing the clean, renewable energy generated in abundance in the country.

The association believes it is possible to increase the share of renewable sources in the Brazilian electricity matrix while maintaining reliability, security and stability, as well as ensuring the technical and economic balance of the expansion and operation of Brazil's electricity system.