Guelph, Ontario and Rio De Janeiro: Canadian Solar Inc. and EDF Energies Nouvelles, a global market leader in renewable energy, announced the acquisition June 19 of 80% interest in Canadian Solar's Pirapora II solar energy project in Brazil by EDF Energies Nouvelles' local subsidiary, EDF EN do Brasil.
The 115 MWp Pirapora II project will start construction in the fall of 2017 and is expected to reach commercial operation in 2018. Canadian Solar will supply the modules for the project from its 380 MWp module factory established in Brazil to support the local market.
The Pirapora II project, located in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, was awarded a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement in the first Reserve Energy Auction. Once completed, the project will generate 231,992 MWh per year and contribute towards the country's goal of obtaining 23% of its energy from non-hydro renewable sources by 2030.
In October 2016, EDF EN do Brasil acquired 80% of the Canadian Solar 191.5 MWp Pirapora I project, also located in Minas Gerais. The two projects are adjacent to each other and at 306.5 MWp combined, they constitute one of the largest solar energy projects in Latin America.