Hydro and SOWITEC to investigate possibility for floating solar project in Brazil
Sonnenbühl, May 8th, 2019 – Through a joint venture, Norwegian based aluminium producer Hydro and German based renewable power developer SOWITEC will see if it is possible to develop a large-scale floating solar power project in Para state in Brazil.
The solar project is planned to be installed on Lake Tucurui in the state of Para. If realized, the solar plant will produce electricity for Hydro’s operations in Para, including the alumina refinery Alunorte and the primary aluminium plant Albras.
“Hydro has a clear strategy to further reduce emissions from our operations. Increasing our use of clean energy is an important contributor to achieving that target,” says executive vice president of Hydro’s Energy business area, Arvid Moss.
The project is currently in its initial planning phases and several factors need to be in place before a build decision can take place.
“If we succeed in realizing this project, it will be an important milestone for floating solar development in Brazil,” says CEO of SOWITEC, Frank Hummel.
The companies are currently looking into several technical aspects, and until those are concluded and the necessary authority approvals are in place, it is too early to disclose details about potential plant size or the relating project cost.
On Monday this week, antitrust authorities in Brazil approved the joint venture, one of several authority permits necessary to establish the project. Hydro and SOWITEC expect it will take around two years before knowing if the project can be realized in a profitable way.
About SOWITEC:
As one of the leading global project developers for renewable energies, SOWITEC is active in 14 countries with a focus on the rapidly growing emerging and developing countries. With almost 200 employees, SOWITEC covers all areas of solar and wind power project development: from planning and conception, energy and profitability calculations, through construction management, sales and financing to the technical and commercial management of wind and solar parks. Almost 60 wind and solar projects with over 2,700 MW developed by SOWITEC are currently in operation or under construction in eight countries.
About Hydro:
Hydro is a fully integrated aluminium company with 35,000 employees in 40 countries on all continents, combining local expertise, worldwide reach and unmatched capabilities in R&D.