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Minas Gerais leads the advancement of solar energy in Brazil by expanding its installed capacity, boosting the economy, attracting billion-dollar investments, and strengthening the generation of clean sustainable energy.
Minas Gerais is experiencing a historic moment by consolidating solar energy as one of the main pillars of its economy. According to Agência Minas this Tuesday (24), the state surpassed the mark of 14.36 gigawatts of monitored power, becoming the national leader in the sector and a reference in clean sustainable energy in Brazil.
This growth did not happen by chance. It is the result of a combination of favorable natural conditions, well-structured public policies, and strong attraction of private investments. Today, Minas Gerais accounts for about 21.3% of the total installed solar energy capacity in the country, according to data from the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel).
Moreover, the electric matrix of Minas Gerais is already composed of more than 96% renewable sources, a percentage that places the state in a prominent position in the global energy transition scenario. This advancement reinforces the strategic role of clean sustainable energy in building a more balanced and resilient economy.
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Minas Gerais takes the lead in renewable energy: State surpasses historic mark of 14 GW in solar energy generation in MG and consolidates dominance in the Brazilian electric sector.
Solar energy in Minas Gerais grows rapidly and surpasses historical milestones
The advancement of solar energy in Minas Gerais draws attention for its speed and scale. In just a few years, the state went from an installed capacity of only 518.55 megawatts to an impressive 14,358 megawatts by 2026.
This accelerated growth was driven by the Sol de Minas program, created in 2019 with the aim of expanding photovoltaic generation. The initiative operates in an integrated manner, involving government, municipalities, and the private sector.
Today, Minas Gerais leads centralized solar energy generation in Brazil, with 8.66 gigawatts. In distributed generation, the state holds the second position, with 5.7 gigawatts, only behind São Paulo.
This performance places the state at a level that even surpasses major references. The installed solar capacity in Minas Gerais has already exceeded the power of the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant, estimated at around 14 gigawatts.
Even more impressive is the fact that electricity production through solar energy in the state exceeds the total capacity of more than 170 countries, including Hungary, Nigeria, and Bulgaria. This highlights the strength of clean sustainable energy as a driver of the Minas Gerais economy.
Boosted economy and job creation with clean sustainable energy
The impact of solar energy in Minas Gerais goes far beyond electricity generation. It directly reflects on the economy and the job market.
Since 2019, the state has attracted over R$ 83.1 billion in investments for the sector. This significant volume of resources has contributed to the creation of approximately 7,700 direct jobs, strengthening different regions of the state.
The solar energy production chain also boosts various economic segments. Among them, the following stand out:
- Construction, with the installation of plants and photovoltaic systems
- Equipment and components industry
- Technical services, maintenance, and operation
- Logistics and transportation of materials
This multiplier effect demonstrates how clean sustainable energy has become a strategic element for the development of the economy in Minas Gerais.
Additionally, distributed generation allows consumers to produce their own energy, reducing costs and stimulating the competitiveness of local businesses.
Minas Gerais attracts billion-dollar investments and strengthens the solar sector
One of the main factors behind the success of solar energy in Minas Gerais is the state’s ability to attract investments. The work of Invest Minas has been fundamental in this process, connecting companies and creating a favorable environment for new projects.
A relevant example is the installation of a solar plant by Newave Energia S.A in the municipality of Arinos, in Northwest Minas. The project, inaugurated in 2025, received a private investment of R$ 1.42 billion.
Another highlight is the Vale do Aço I Photovoltaic Plant, located in Engenheiro Caldas, in the Doce River Valley. The project received R$ 12 million in support from the Minas Gerais Development Bank (BDMG) and participation from the company Multiluz Solar.
These investments show how Minas Gerais has become a strategic destination for companies operating with clean sustainable energy. The state offers legal security, infrastructure, and incentive policies that facilitate the implementation of new projects.
Public strategies boost solar energy and consolidate leadership
The advancement of solar energy in Minas Gerais is directly linked to the actions of the public power. The Sol de Minas program is one of the main responsible for this consistent growth.
Created in 2019, the program aims to expand the generation of clean sustainable energy through coordinated actions. Among the main initiatives, the following stand out:
- Tax incentives for sector enterprises
- Training of municipal managers to attract investments
- Simplification of environmental licensing
- Publication of technical guides, such as the General Guide for Municipalities on Photovoltaic Solar Energy launched in 2025
These measures have reduced barriers and increased Minas Gerais’ competitiveness in the national scenario.
Additionally, the state has made important commitments to the global climate agenda. Among them, adherence to the Race to Zero campaign, held in 2021, and the implementation of the State Climate Action Plan (Plac-MG).
These strategies reinforce the commitment to sustainability and consolidate solar energy as one of the pillars of the Minas Gerais economy.
Clean sustainable energy positions Minas Gerais in the global scenario
The advancement of solar energy in Minas Gerais does not only impact Brazil. It also projects the state onto the international stage as a reference in clean sustainable energy.
With an installed capacity greater than that of more than 170 countries, Minas Gerais demonstrates that subnational regions can play a relevant role in the global energy transition.
This prominence also helps attract new foreign investments, strengthen international partnerships, and stimulate technological innovation.
Another important point is the positive environmental impact. The expansion of solar energy reduces dependence on fossil sources and contributes to the decrease of greenhouse gas emissions.
Thus, Minas Gerais advances not only in economic terms but also in environmental terms, consolidating a development model based on sustainability.
Challenges and opportunities to maintain the growth of solar energy
Despite the impressive results, Minas Gerais still faces challenges to maintain the growth pace of solar energy.
One of the main points of attention is the need to expand the energy transmission infrastructure, ensuring that all production can be distributed efficiently.
Another important challenge is the qualification of the workforce. With the growth of the sector, the demand for professionals specialized in the installation, operation, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems also increases.
On the other hand, the opportunities are significant. Among them:
- Continuous reduction of solar technology costs
- Expansion of distributed generation in homes and businesses
- Advancement of energy storage solutions
- Integration with other renewable sources
These factors indicate that clean sustainable energy will continue to be one of the main drivers of the economy in Minas Gerais in the coming years.
A sustainable economic model that inspires Brazil
The case of Minas Gerais shows, in practice, how solar energy can transform an economy. By reaching 14.36 gigawatts of installed capacity, the state not only leads the sector but also redefines the role of clean sustainable energy in economic development.
The more than R$ 83.1 billion in investments and the 7,700 direct jobs created since 2019 are concrete evidence of this positive impact.
More than just numbers, Minas Gerais demonstrates that it is possible to grow sustainably, balancing economic development and environmental preservation.
Solar energy has ceased to be just an alternative and has become a central axis of the Minas Gerais economy. This model is likely to inspire other regions of Brazil to follow the same path, expanding the use of renewable sources and strengthening the energy transition in the country.
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