After a robust investment of BRL 840 million in solar energy, a park filled with photovoltaic panels goes into operation in Piauí (PI)

The first park of the Solar Energy Complex Caldeirão Grande 2 and photovoltaic panels, by Ibitu Energia, in Piauí (PI), went into commercial operation to serve more than 280 families. The development, which has 7 parks, will have an installed capacity of 252 peak megawatts (MWp); approximately R$840 million will be invested in the project, of which R$429 million will be financed by Banco do Nordeste (BNB)   

This Friday, November 04th, the first of the 7 parks in the Solar Energy Complex Great Cauldron 2 and photovoltaic panels, a project by Ibitu Energia with an installed capacity of 252 peak megawatts (MWp), equivalent to the consumption of more than 280 Brazilian homes. With the authorization granted by Aneel, 36,53 MWp will already be made available in this first stage. The Complex is located in the region of Caldeirão Grande, in the Piauí (PI).

The forecast is that the second and third plants will start commercial operations later this month, providing, together, another 73,14 MWp. CG2 should operate at full capacity from February 2023, increasing the company's installed capacity by 28%.

Until completion, approximately R$840 million will be invested in the project, of which R$429 million will be financed by Banco do Nordeste (BNB), through resources from the Constitutional Financing Fund of the Northeast (FNE).

The contract with the bank to finance a solar energy project and photovoltaic panels lasts for 20 years

“Banco BNB has been an important partner in the Brazilian renewable market. In this, our third operation together, we are adding important generation capacity to the Brazilian system, contributing to the development of important regions of our country”, says Ricardo Santos, Financial Director of Ibitu. The contract with BNB has a term of 20 years, a grace period of 12 months and a contractual compliance bonus.

"Seeing this project getting off the ground at such a challenging time to make new projects viable is a source of great pride and, with the commitment of our teams, we are following our sustainable investment agenda based on the principles of generating social and environmental value. This Complex increases our energy generation in the State of Piauí (PI), reinforces our growth in solar projects and places Ibitu as one of the main players in solar and renewable generation in Brazil”, says Gustavo Ribeiro, President of Ibitu. 

Initially, the objective was to develop a wind project. However, the company in Ibitu, Piauí (PI) decided to switch directions to solar energy

Caldeirão Grande 2 will be connected at the Curral Novo do Piauí (PI) 2 substation, the same one that receives energy from the Caldeirão Grande 1 wind farm, also from Ibitu, and is the first renewable energy project to have the source of generation changed by Aneel . CG2 was conceived as a wind project, but after extensive reassessment by Ibitu, it became a solar project.

The work, which is being developed in partnership with Elastri, has already employed more than 950 workers, 67% of whom are from Caldeirão Grande and nearby towns. In addition, one of the pre-assembly stages of the trackers used 100% female labor, by hiring women from the region. 

Almost a thousand people worked in the plant's job openings

Another concern of Ibitu was to provide technical training to residents of the municipality. To this end, in partnership with the city hall and SENAI/PI, the company developed the course on Maintenance Techniques in Photovoltaic Systems, aimed at people who have completed high school and still lack professional experience.

The class was formed by 20 participants, who have already completed the practical and theoretical classes and received their certificates. In addition, 7 of them participated in a selection process at Ibitu to work as assistants at the CG2 solar complex, and two have already been hired. It is expected that two more will be hired next year. 

About Ibitu Energia and investments in renewable energy, photovoltaic panels and wind distribution  

Ibitu, whose name comes from the Tupi-Guarani language and means wind, is one of the largest companies in the generation and sale of 100% renewable energy. Sustainable development focused on environmental assumptions, positive social impact and governance is in the company's DNA, which has 787,9 megawatts (MW) in operation, distributed among five wind complexes (located in the states of Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte and Piauí), three solar complexes (two in the state of Bahia and one in Piauí) and two hydroelectric plants, in Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso. In addition, the company has a pipeline of new wind, solar and hybrid energy projects under development, which add 1,6 gigawatts (GW) to the portfolio.

Ibitu employs more than 170 professionals, is among the five largest wind power generators in commercial operation in the free energy market and seeks to become one of the most important players in the Brazilian energy market. 

Source: www.ibituenergia.com