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Minas Gerais Reinforces Its Leadership in the Solar Energy Sector by Reaching 13.3 GW of Installed Capacity. The State Has Already Attracted R$ 83 Billion in Investments and Stands Out Globally in Sustainable Generation.
On the eve of the COP30, Minas Gerais once again stands out as a national and international reference in solar energy. The state has achieved the impressive milestone of 13.3 gigawatts (GW) of verified capacity, reaffirming its leading role in the Brazilian energy transition and demonstrating that public policies focused on sustainability can generate economic and environmental development.
The advancement was driven by initiatives from the Government of Minas, which since 2019 has implemented strategic actions to promote the sector, such as the Sol de Minas project, coordinated by the Secretariat of State for Economic Development (Sede-MG). The program has established itself as one of the main growth engines for photovoltaic energy in the country.
Billion-dollar Investments and Creation of Sustainable Jobs
Since the beginning of the current administration, Minas Gerais has already attracted R$ 83 billion in private investments focused on solar energy. These resources have resulted in the creation of nearly 7 thousand direct jobs in 37 municipalities, reinforcing the state’s role as a hub of green economy and energy innovation.
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According to recent data from the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel), published this month, Minas is the national leader in centralized generation, with 7.86 GW, and ranks second in distributed generation, with 5.45 GW, coming only behind São Paulo.
The milestone reached is even more symbolic: the 13.3 GW is equivalent to almost 100% of the installed capacity of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant, the largest in Latin America, with 14 GW. This is the second record achieved just in 2025 — in May, the state had already surpassed the 12 GW mark of verified capacity.
Mining Solar Energy Surpasses More Than 160 Countries
The new level places Minas Gerais above 160 countries in installed solar energy capacity, surpassing nations such as Bulgaria (13.06 GW), Singapore (13.02 GW), and Ireland (12.07 GW). This performance reinforces the potential of Minas in a global scenario that seeks to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.
Moreover, the positive environmental impact is significant. With its current capacity, Minas has the potential to avoid the emission of up to 18,300 tons of CO₂ per year, which is equivalent to removing more than 9.4 million cars from the roads. The energy generated would also be sufficient to power 80% of the light vehicle fleet in the state, if all were electric.
“The constant advancement of solar energy demonstrates how essential Minas Gerais is in the energy transition. We need to maintain these actions to create an even more sustainable future in Minas,” stated Frederico Amaral, deputy secretary of Economic Development.
Sol de Minas: Strategic Project That Boosted Growth
The Sol de Minas is one of the most relevant public policies ever implemented in the sector. Created to encourage the state’s leadership in solar energy generation, the program supports entrepreneurs, facilitates project licensing, and stimulates the attraction of international investments.
The results are visible: since 2019, the state has jumped from 0.94 GW to over 13 GW, an exponential growth that positions Minas as the main center of innovation in solar energy in the country.
In September, the state government launched two technical guides focused on solar energy and energy efficiency, aimed at helping municipalities and public agencies implement sustainable solutions in their buildings and equipment.
Green Financing Expands the Reach of Solar Projects
Another factor driving the sector is the support from the Development Bank of Minas Gerais (BDMG), which has acted decisively to expand credit for sustainable projects. This year, the bank established a strategic partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), making R$ 170 million in financing lines available exclusively for the expansion of solar energy in the state.
These resources will allow for the rapid implementation of new photovoltaic plants, both centralized and distributed generation, benefiting companies, cooperatives, and municipalities interested in adopting clean and renewable energy as their main supply source.
Minas Gerais as a Symbol of the Energy Transition in Brazil
The trajectory of Minas Gerais in solar energy reflects a model of sustainable development that combines technology, jobs, and environmental responsibility. With the advancement of investments and the strengthening of public policies, the state consolidates itself as an absolute leader in the Brazilian photovoltaic sector, as well as an example to be followed in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
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