Currently, Minas Gerais accounts for one-fifth (19,9%) of the country's distributed generation, according to the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy

Minas Gerais, which has always had mining as a reference for sources of wealth, now has solar energy as an economic ally and investments have been gaining prominence in the State. Last Wednesday, the São Paulo company GDSolar announced more than R$ 300 million in investments until 2021. At first, it will be R$ 105 million for 11 new photovoltaic plants in the Triângulo Mineiro. 200 jobs in Brazil generated through the deployment of photovoltaic solar energy

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According to the CEO of GDSolar, Alexandre Gomes, the other BRL 200 million are expected to be invested by the end of 2021. “By then, we will go from 18 to 35 plants”, announces Gomes. Despite the company's headquarters being in São Paulo, Minas concentrates 40% of the group's business. "In addition to bringing together the best climate conditions, the State has a policy of incentives for the consumption of solar energy".

The cities that will receive the investments are Iraí de Minas, Guarda Mor, Ibiá, Nova Ponte, Frutal and Inimutaba, in the Alto Paranaíba, Northwest, Triângulo Mineiro and Central regions.

Currently, Minas Gerais accounts for one fifth (19,9%) of distributed generation in the country, according to the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (Absolar). Next, appear Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo, with 12,5% ​​each.

Simplification for the implementation of photovoltaic energy companies, the best legislation in the segment in Brazil and the most effective incentives for solar energy generation, in addition to the high incidence of sunlight, are determining factors for attracting new businesses in the state

The Deputy Secretary for Economic Development, Fernando Passalio, points out that Minas has the best solarimetric index in the world, but, in addition to climatic factors, the incentive plan offered by the government justifies the expansion of investments. “It is the only State that offers the energy transmission availability map, a model that the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) is studying to include as a national policy”, he highlights.

Passalio says that solar energy has shared the scene with mining, at the top of the ranking of the main economic activities. “It brings many opportunities to generate wealth and jobs, especially for poorer areas, such as Norte de Minas. There alone, we have R$ 28 billion in solar energy deals formalized and another R$ 18 billion in negotiation”, he explains. In all, Minas has R$ 56,14 billion in closed or planned investments.

Paracatu will receive a photovoltaic solar plant from Solatio Energia Livre

By the end of October, Solatio Energia Livre is going to inaugurate a solar photovoltaic plant in Paracatu, in the northwest of Minas Gerais. The investment is around R$ 32 million. Currently, this region of the State concentrates R$ 5,7 billion in confirmed and expected investments, according to the balance sheet of the Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Foreign Trade of Minas Gerais (Indi).

By 2023, Solatio Energia Livre will invest around R$ 21 billion in photovoltaic plants in the State of Minas Gerais. “Of this total, R$ 1 billion is earmarked for distributed generation, to serve homes and small commercial establishments, and the other R$ 20 billion for large-scale plants”, highlights the company's CEO, Walter Fróes. In addition to Paracatu, Solatio is also going to install plants in Mirabela, Pirapora, Janaúba and Manga, in the North of Minas Gerais.