Canadian Solar and EDF link solar plants to Brazil's grid
EDF Energies Nouvelles and Canadian Solar have connected their Pirapora I and Pirapora III 284 MW solar energy plants to Brazil's grid. The plants, part of a 399 MWp (Mega Watt peak) initiative in the country's state of Minas Gerais, will contribute towards Brazil's target of generating 23% of its energy from non-hydro renewables by 2030. The 115 MW Pirapora II plant is set to become operational next year.

Both projects are part of the 399 MWp pirapora projects located in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, which were awarded a 20 year PPA following Reserve Energy Auctions in 2014 and in 2015.

Pirapora I is being powered by 600,000 Canadian Solar high efficiency CS6U-P modules, while the Pirapora III has 290,000, generating 392 Gwh and 186 Gwh respectively of solar energy, both tying into Brazil’s goal of achieving 23% of its energy generation from non-hydro renewables by 2030.

EDF energy acquired an 80% interest in both Pirapora plants from Canadian solar, as well as in the 115 MW Pirapora II project, expected to be in operation by mid-2018.

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“This acquisition constitutes further evidence of our growth ambitions in Brazil, a key renewable energy market,” Commented EDF energy CEO Antoine Cahuzac on the large-scale acquisition by EDF energy “It represents a new step toward the EDF group’s goal of doubling its renewable capacity worldwide by 2030.”

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar Inc commented on the advances made on the projects “We are pleased to announce the commissionings of the Pirapora I and III projects, which are the first solar projects we have connected to the grid in Brazil. We see strong potential in the solar energy market in Brazil and will continue to grow our project pipeline in the country to meet the local demand for clean and affordable solar energy. EDF EN is an important partner and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership with more opportunities in Brazil and other countries.” Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar Inc.