Eletronorte and Chesf to build 10 MWp floating solar photovoltaic project

Eletronorte and Chesf have plans to invest R$100 million (US$25 million) to develop two 5 MW floating solar photovoltaic projects in Brazil.

The projects, which were announced by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, will be developed in the Sobradinho and Balbina hydropower plants (HPPs).

According to sources, the project to be located in Balbina HPP is scheduled to begin construction on 29 January 2016, while the project to be located in Sobradiho is scheduled to start construction on 1 February 2016.

The floating solar plants help to reduce water evaporation and restrict the growth of methane-producing algae. The water also helps to keep the solar panels cool, boosting their conversion efficiency.

In march this year, it was announced a plan to develop 350 MW projects at the Balbina hydroelectric plant in the Amazon.