CGN project brings green ingenuity to Brazil

China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) has brought its first self-built greenfield solar power project in Brazil to full capacity operation, marking a significant expansion of its clean energy footprint in Latin America's largest economy.

The Lagoinha solar project, located in northeastern Brazil, has a total installed capacity of 165 megawatts. It is expected to generate approximately 400 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to meet the power demands of around 240,000 local households, said the State-owned company.

The project utilized Chinese-made photovoltaic modules and inverters, a move CGN said has effectively driven the "going global" of China's solar industry supply chain while also promoting technological upgrades within Brazil's local solar sector.

Industry analysts view CGN's decision to equip its Lagoinha solar project in Brazil with Chinese-made photovoltaic modules and inverters as a strategic move, reinforcing China's position not just as a supplier of solar technology, but as a comprehensive provider of renewable energy solutions globally.

"This is a clear demonstration of the maturity and competitiveness of China's solar manufacturing supply chain," said Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University.

"For Chinese developers like CGN operating overseas, leveraging domestically produced, high-quality components offers significant advantages in terms of cost, supply chain reliability and technical integration. It's a powerful engine driving the 'going global' strategy for China's solar industry, securing market share and building brand presence in crucial emerging markets like Brazil."

Technological advancements and innovation by Chinese solar companies are key to driving down costs while accelerating the global energy transition away from fossil fuels, he added.

The high standards and strict requirements demonstrated by the Chinese team during construction earned the respect and support of community residents.

Yao Zhigang, general manager of CGN Brazil, said as cooperation between China and Latin America deepens, CGN continues to expand its clean energy investments in Brazil.

The company now operates eight wind farms and three solar power plants in the country, with a total installed capacity exceeding 1.6 gigawatts. This portfolio places CGN among Brazil's top 10 clean energy suppliers and contributes significantly to Brazil's economic and social development and its green energy transition, Yao said.

Since the launch of the Lagoinha project, it has created over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for the local community.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn