BNDES approves R$ 1 billion for the construction of a solar complex in Minas Gerais.

247 - The National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) announced on Monday (28) the release of R$ 1 billion in financing for the construction of a large solar energy complex in Minas Gerais. The resources will be allocated to the company Atlas Renewable Energy, responsible for the implementation of 11 photovoltaic plants in the municipality of Arinos, located in the northwest region of the state, reports the Folha de S. Paul.

Named the Draco Solar Complex, the project will have an installed capacity of 505 megawatts of alternating current (MWac), enough to supply approximately 569 homes. The complex also includes a 500-kilovolt (kV) substation and a transmission line of approximately 15 kilometers, which will connect the complex to the National Interconnected System (SIN).

The project is expected to begin operating in early 2026. During the construction phase, it is estimated that 2.100 jobs will be created. All the energy generated will be sold in the Free Contracting Environment (ACL), a market segment where consumers negotiate directly with generators and traders.

The financing was made possible through the Finem line of credit, aimed at investments in productive capacity, and the Climate Fund, a mechanism managed by BNDES in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment, focusing on sustainable actions.

In an official statement, the president of BNDES, Aloizio Mercadante, highlighted the bank's role in addressing the global climate crisis:

"The world is experiencing a climate emergency, and BNDES has played a significant role in this area, acting on different fronts, such as energy, decarbonization of production processes, and forest restoration initiatives. The green agenda is at the heart of the bank's strategy."

Atlas Renewable Energy, founded in 2017, operates in renewable energy generation and maintains a global portfolio of projects totaling 8,4 gigawatts (GW), of which 3,6 GW are already in operation and 2,5 GW are in an advanced stage of development.

The company's general manager in Brazil, Fabio Bortoluzo, celebrated the partnership with the public bank:

"This partnership reinforces Atlas' commitment to the energy transition in Brazil, combining technology, efficiency, and positive socio-environmental impact. The Draco Solar Complex represents more than just an investment in solar energy; it demonstrates Atlas' commitment to supporting the development of Brazilian industry based on sustainable energy and marks our presence in the data center sector."

With the advancement of this project, BNDES reaffirms its strategy of financing green infrastructure, while Atlas consolidates its presence in the Brazilian energy sector, expanding clean energy generation capacity and contributing to the strengthening of the country's sustainable energy matrix.