Brazil’s renewable energy landscape is evolving as Casa dos Ventos, a major player in the country’s wind power sector, ventures into utility-scale solar power generation. The company, responsible for developing one in four wind power facilities in Brazil, has announced plans to add over 1.5 GW of solar capacity across four projects. This strategic shift, marked by a partnership with U.S.-based Nextracker, signals a potential trend in the Brazilian energy sector towards hybrid power plants that integrate wind and solar resources.
The four solar projects—Babilônia Sul (117 MW), Babilônia Centro (226 MW), Seriemas (540 MW), and Rio Brilhante (680 MW)—are located in the municipalities of Morro do Chapéu and Várzea Nova in Bahia, and Rio Brilhante and Seriemas in Mato Grosso do Sul. These projects will utilize Nextracker’s NX Horizon-XTR all-terrain solar tracker and NX Horizon solar tracker systems, designed to optimize energy generation in dynamic lighting and uneven terrain conditions.
Casa dos Ventos’ foray into solar power aligns with Brazil’s ambitious renewable energy goals. The country, which already derives over 80% of its electricity from renewable resources, aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The expansion of solar capacity is a crucial component of this strategy. ABSOLAR, the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy, projects that the country will add 13.2 GW of new solar capacity this year, reaching a total of 64.7 GW by year-end, with investments exceeding $7 billion.
The partnership between Casa dos Ventos and Nextracker underscores the growing importance of trusted partnerships in the solar industry. Alejo Lopez, vice president of Nextracker Latin America, emphasized the benefits of hybrid power plants, stating, “Pairing wind and solar brings reliable, round-the-clock energy with fewer grid connections.” This approach not only optimizes grid capacity but also aligns with Brazil’s forward-looking energy policies.
Thiago Rezende, construction and operations director at Casa dos Ventos, highlighted the confidence in Nextracker’s technology, noting, “Nextracker’s strong track record, focus on engineering excellence, and ability to deliver high-quality solutions make it a trusted technology partner for the future.” The use of Nextracker’s TrueCapture yield management and control system, which employs advanced sensor technology and machine learning, ensures that the solar trackers are continuously adjusted for optimal energy generation.
This development could spur other renewable energy developers in Brazil to explore hybrid power plants, combining complementary energy resources and sharing infrastructure. The success of Casa dos Ventos’ solar projects could serve as a model for other companies looking to diversify their renewable energy portfolios and contribute to Brazil’s net-zero emissions goal.
Moreover, the focus on preserving local biomes and developing social projects in the communities where these projects are located aligns with Casa dos Ventos’ commitment to the UN Global Compact and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This holistic approach to renewable energy development could set a new standard for the sector, emphasizing not just energy generation but also environmental and social responsibility.
As Brazil continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, the integration of wind and solar power in hybrid plants could become a defining feature of the country’s energy landscape. This shift could also influence other markets, demonstrating the potential of hybrid power plants to provide reliable, round-the-clock energy while optimizing grid capacity and reducing costs. The collaboration between Casa dos Ventos and Nextracker is a significant step in this direction, highlighting the importance of innovation and partnership in driving the renewable energy transition.