Equinor has started operations at its 531MW Mendubim solar plant in Brazil.
Mendubim will annually produce 1.2TWh of power with around 60% of that sold on a 20-year USD-denominated power purchase agreement with Alunorte, one of the world’s leading suppliers of alumina for the aluminium industry.
The remaining production will be sold in the power market in Brazil.
The project is developed and operated as a joint venture between Scatec, Hydro Rein and Equinor. All three partners have an equal economic interest of 30% in the project.
In conjunction with the start of commercial operations, Alunorte has exercised its call option and now holds the remaining 10%.
“Mendubim represents an important contribution to Equinor’s diversified energy offering in Brazil that includes a robust oil and gas portfolio and an attractive renewables position,” said Veronica Coelho, Equinor’s country manager in Brazil.
“Launching a major new solar plant in Brazil in partnership with Scatec and Hydro Rein is an important achievement. Equinor has conducted business in Brazil for over two decades, and we see the country as a core area for long-term profitable growth. By investing in renewable energy, we are supporting Brazil’s ambitions towards a diverse energy mix and helping to meet the expected power demand growth in the country,” Olav Kolbeinstveit, Senior Vice-president for Onshore and Markets within Renewables at Equinor, added.