A Mendubim solar plant – the result of a partnership between Scatec, Equinor and Hydro Rein – began operations. The photovoltaic enterprise, with an installed capacity of 531 MW, will supply energy to the refinery Hydro Alunorte, the largest alumina* refinery in the world outside of China located in the city of Barcarena (PA).
The solar plant, located in Rio Grande do Norte, has 30% participation from the three partners. In conjunction with the start of commercial operations, Hydro Alunorte purchased the remaining 10%.
According to the companies, the Alunorte will purchase around 60% of the planned energy. O contract will be for the period of twenty years PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), which is a long-term contract. The surplus will be sold to the free energy market.
“We have a very robust decarbonization plan to produce greener alumina at the Alunorte refinery, which will lead us to be one of the refineries with the lowest carbon emissions in the world by 2030 and achieve zero emissions by 2040,” he said. Carlos Neves, Vice President of Operations at Hydro Alunorte.
Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec, highlighted that the project represents a crucial milestone in achieving the company's strategic objectives, as well as 'reinforcing our position in a prominent renewable energy growth market, strengthened by our partners Equinor and Hydro Rein'.
Yes, Olav Kolbeinstveit, senior vice president for Onshore and Renewable Markets at Equinor, highlighted the importance of this photovoltaic project for Brazil.
"Equinor has been doing business in Brazil for more than two decades, and we see the country as a central area for long-term profitable growth. By investing in renewable energy, we are supporting Brazil's ambitions towards a diversified energy mix and helping to meet the expected growth in energy demand in the country”, he emphasized.
* Although the term aluminum and alumina seem similar, they are different solutions. Alumina is an aluminum oxide found in bauxite ore, a white crystalline solid compound obtained by the electrolytic process.
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