Engie, the French utility giant, is exploring innovative solutions to enhance the profitability of its new solar plant in Brazil. The company is particularly focused on implementing storage systems or establishing bitcoin mining data centers at the Assu Sol facility, which is now the largest solar project in its portfolio.
Eduardo Sattamini, the country manager for Engie in Brazil, highlighted that curtailments—where electricity production from renewable sources is intentionally reduced due to grid constraints—have significantly impacted the economic viability of Assu Sol. These measures are necessary to maintain balance within Brazil’s power grid, and although Sattamini did not provide specific figures, he emphasized that the limitation on production has been challenging for the company.
Located in northeastern Brazil, the Assu Sol facility boasts an impressive installed capacity of 895 MWp and commenced full commercial operations earlier this month. However, the curtailments have emerged as a critical issue, particularly since 2023, resulting in substantial financial losses for energy companies relying on solar and wind resources. This growing problem stems from an increase in renewable energy installations amid stagnant demand, infrastructure limitations, and the rapid rise of distributed generation, especially from rooftop solar panels.
To address these challenges, Engie is actively seeking potential offtakers to create local demand. Among the options being considered are the integration of storage solutions and the establishment of bitcoin mining sites. Sattamini acknowledged that these strategies would not yield immediate results; rather, they are part of a long-term vision for improving operational efficiency. “That’s not coming next month. It will take a couple of years for us to implement,” he stated.
As Engie navigates these complexities, the outcome of its initiatives at the Assu Sol facility could serve as a benchmark for the broader renewable energy landscape in Brazil, where the struggle to balance production and grid stability continues. The company’s proactive measures aim to mitigate losses and perhaps revolutionize how solar energy can be utilized in conjunction with emerging technologies like bitcoin mining.
