Brazil hails first auction wins for solar-plus-biofuel projects

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Minister Albuquerque (left) said Brazil's regulator has seen demand for solar-plus-biofuel for

Brazil’s government will seek views on the potential of solar-plus-biofuel projects after two such hybrids reaped large-scale contracts at a state-level auction.

Projects combining both power sources were last Friday among the winners of a 263.5MW tender in Roraima, an Amazon state that is Brazil’s most northerly and least populated.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

As noted by energy minister Bento Albuquerque, the contracts to solar-plus-biofuel projects by BBF (56MW) and Enerplan (11MW) mark a first for Brazil.

The hybrids may differ in terms of value – from BRL537 million (US$136.8 million) to BRL70 million (US$17.8 million) – but will both supply power to Roraima capital Boa Vista and neighbouring areas, starting on 28 June 2021.

Brazil power regulator ANEEL has been receiving demands for these hybrids for ”some time”, said minister Albuquerque.

“A public consultation is already being opened for greater participation of society in this theme,” the minister added.

Enel wraps up sale of 292MW and 158MW plants

The two hybrids aside, the Roraima tender awarded contracts to biomass, natural gas and diesel oil projects. At BRL833/MWh (US$212.3/MWh), the auction produced 22.7% lower average prices than the initial BRL1,078/MWh (US$274.78/MWh) ceiling set by ANEEL.

By the time the article was published, ANEEL had not responded to PV Tech’s questions on how the solar and biofuel elements will be integrated. Earlier hybrid schemes – such as a mix of PV, batteries and biofuel on Ecuador's Galápagos Islands – have opted for co-location.

In Brazil, the hybrid auction success comes as 751 PV-only projects – 23.1GW all in all – prepare to compete for 20-year PPAs at a renewable tender due on 28 June. In a first for Brazil, the industry will also be allowed into a separate auction alongside wind, coal and gas.

The utility-scale segment registered movement also last Friday, with Enel completing the BRL2.9 billion (US$737 million) sale of assets including the Nova Olinda (292MW) and Lapa (158MW) solar plants to Chinese holding CGNEI.

Read Next

July 15, 2025
Malaysian utility company Tenaga Nasional Berhad has officially launched a floating solar pilot project, which could help unlock 2.2GW of generation capacity.
July 15, 2025
Ingeteam has expanded its footprint in Australia by announcing it will supply the 243MWp Maryvale Solar and Energy Storage Project in New South Wales.
July 14, 2025
Australian renewables developer Edify Energy has submitted plans for a 300MWac solar-plus-storage site in Victoria to Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
July 14, 2025
ACWA Power has signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) for five solar PV projects in the country.
July 14, 2025
Elements Green has secured €80 million (US$93.5 million) in financing from Danish investment firm Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).
July 14, 2025
Solar and storage developer MN8 Energy has raised US$575 million to refinance three PV projects in North Carolina, Kentucky and Illinois.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK