Solar park boosts Brazil’s clean energy and local development

Acting President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, inaugurated a solar park in Minas Gerais, one of Brazil’s largest renewable energy projects. This was reported by the official website of the Brazilian Government.

With a total investment of US$288.5 million, the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to energy transition and sustainable development. The park is the result of a partnership between companies, with US$132.69 million in federal financing.

Beyond reducing annual CO2 emissions by an estimated 22,000 tonnes, the project has had a significant impact on local development. Twenty-seven photovoltaic sector companies have set up operations in Arinos, a town of 17,000 inhabitants.

The solar park spans 822 hectares, located 30 kilometres from Arinos. It features more than 720,000 solar panels and has an installed capacity of 432 megawatt peak (MWp), enough to supply energy to a city of 350,000 people or around 70,000 households. 

According to the authorities, the project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in clean energy, quality education, local economic growth, and decent work.