Barro Alto Solar Complex Expands Its Capacity And Strengthens Renewable Generation In Brazil’s Electricity Sector

Photovoltaic energy in Brazil has gained new momentum with the start of operations at the Barro Alto Solar Complex, located in the municipality of Vila Propício. In March, the final two plants of the project—UFV Barro Alto I and UFV Barro Alto VI—entered commercial operation, increasing the contribution of solar power to the Brazilian Electrical System and supporting the country’s ongoing shift toward cleaner energy sources. The complex forms part of the investment portfolio of the New Growth Acceleration Program (Novo PAC), underscoring Brazil’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity and ensuring an energy matrix that is increasingly clean and sustainable.

With an estimated investment of R$ 1.6 million, the Barro Alto Solar Complex is made up of seven solar power plants, which together comprise 1,218 generating units and deliver an installed capacity of 350 MW. Large-scale projects like this require significant workforce support, and it is estimated that more than 16,000 direct and indirect jobs are necessary for their successful implementation. To integrate the complex into the national electricity network, a dedicated collector substation has been constructed next to the solar plants, along with a 230 kV single-circuit transmission line approximately 13 km in length.

This line will connect the complex to the basic network of the National Interconnected System (SIN), linking at the 230 kV busbar of the Barro Alto Substation. Environmental licensing for the entire development was carried out by the Goiás State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainable Development (SEMAD), the authority responsible for ensuring that the project meets all environmental compliance requirements. Through this process, the complex has advanced with the necessary oversight to ensure both environmental responsibility and long-term energy sustainability