High in solar generation in 2022 is explained by an increase in plants, says expert

Photovoltaic solar energy generation rose in the first two months of this year. In February, the increase is already 80% compared to the same period in 2021. The data are from the Electric Energy Commercialization Chamber (CCEE).

In an interview with CNN Rádio, the manager of Analysis and Market Information at CCEE, Ricardo Gedra, explained that the increase in generation happened due to the “increase in the number of solar plants in Brazil.”

According to him, there are two factors that justify this greater number of plants. “There are two ways of expanding solar generation: through auctions organized by the government and another by the companies themselves”, he said, adding that the government seeks to diversify the national energy matrix.

In the case of companies, “they have the possibility to choose their energy supplier and as we see an emphasis on sustainability, these companies always seek to buy from sources with low emission, and solar and wind stand out among them.”

Gedra recalled that “Brazil is very privileged” in terms of the sun, especially in the Northeast, but also in São Paulo and Minas Gerais, with a lot of solar power.

He said that the first large solar plant was made possible in 2017 and the price of the equipment began to fall over time.

“Specifically in the last two years there was an increase in commodities and exchange rates, but if you look at the last 8 years we have had a decrease, throughout all these years, Brazil has helped in several aspects, with financing projects and laws that facilitated importation”, he explained.

The specialist stressed that it is important to diversify the energy matrix, because renewables depend on sun, wind, water, and this diversification is essential “so that it is possible to serve the country well every month of the year, every year.”