Brazil: STF approves 370 MW of solar power plants

Neoenergia Brasília and the Supreme Federal Court (STF) have signed a technical cooperation agreement for the installation of solar power plants on the roofs of the STF’s annex buildings. Scheduled for completion by the end of the year, the project aims to reduce the institution’s energy costs. The agreement, signed by Eduardo Capelastegui, CEO of Neoenergia, and Frederico Candian, CEO of Neoenergia Brasília, as well as by ministers Luís Roberto Barroso, President of the STF, and Edson Fachin, Vice-President, represents an estimated investment of R$ 1 million. This investment, part of Neoenergia’s Energy Efficiency Program (EEP), regulated by ANEEL (Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica), will enable the construction of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of over 250 kWp. The estimated annual output of these plants is 370 MWh, resulting in annual savings of R$275,000 for the public purse.

Impact on energy costs

This initiative is part of a series of actions undertaken by Neoenergia Brasília since March 2021 to improve the energy efficiency of federal agencies, including the Federal Police, the Aeronautics, the Brazilian Army and the University of Brasília (UnB). What’s more, the Brazilian solar energy market is growing fast, with numerous projects under development across the country. In two years, the company has replaced over 146,000 inefficient lamps with LED models, saving the public purse around R$7.2 million. STF Chairman Luís Roberto Barroso stressed that reducing energy costs is a priority. “We’re looking to take every possible measure to minimize energy costs for the Supreme Court and the judicial system in general,” he said. This agreement with Neoenergia is an important step in that direction.

Financial and technological advantages

Photovoltaic systems, which generate energy from solar irradiation, offer a reliable, long-lasting source of power, even on cloudy or rainy days. The higher the solar irradiation, the higher the electricity production. This initiative will not only reduce energy costs, but also ensure a degree of energy independence for the STF. In addition, through ANEEL’s Energy Efficiency Program, Neoenergia promotes efficient and safe electricity consumption for residents of the Federal District. Over the past two years, more than 50,000 families have benefited from the installation of 230,000 more efficient lamps and 5,000 refrigerators. The installation of these solar power plants represents a significant step forward for STF in terms of energy cost management. This partnership with Neoenergia demonstrates the institution’s commitment to economically viable and technologically advanced energy solutions.