Key Takeaways
- ArcelorMittal and Atlas Renewable Energy completed the Luiz Carlos Solar Park ahead of schedule, making it ArcelorMittal’s first solar facility in Brazil.
- The 315 MWp solar plant aims to provide self-sufficient energy for ArcelorMittal’s operations and represents a R$ 895 million investment.
- The project includes advanced solar technology and contributes to ArcelorMittal’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Project Completion and Goals
ArcelorMittal and Atlas Renewable Energy have completed part B of the Luiz Carlos Solar Park in Paracatu, Minas Gerais, a significant milestone reached 90 days ahead of schedule. This photovoltaic facility is ArcelorMittal’s inaugural solar venture in Brazil, with an impressive installed capacity of 315 MWp. It is projected to generate an average of 74 MW of renewable energy annually. By December 2025, ArcelorMittal Brasil will fully own the park.
The R$ 895 million investment is a crucial step toward ArcelorMittal’s aim of achieving self-sufficiency in renewable electricity for its industrial operations. Everton Negresiolo, CEO of ArcelorMittal Long Steel LATAM, emphasized the significance of the energy generated at the site, stating, “All of the energy generated by the plant will supply our own facilities.” This initiative is designed to diversify ArcelorMittal’s energy mix, lower operating costs, and enhance competitiveness.
Infrastructure and Partnership
The project also incorporates a 65-km transmission line operating at 500 kV, connecting it to the National Interconnected System (SIN). Additionally, it features a step-up substation and a connection point at the Paracatu 4 substation. The partnership operates under the BOT (Build, Operate, and Transfer) model, allowing for a joint venture during construction, with all capital acquired by ArcelorMittal after the commercial operation begins.
Atlas Renewable Energy’s Brazil Country Manager, Fabio Bortoluzo, remarked on the partnership’s importance, stating, “The partnership with ArcelorMittal highlights Atlas’ ability to deeply understand client needs and design customized clean energy solutions that meet those needs.” He also stressed the necessity of collaboration between the government and energy sectors to mitigate curtailments for future project successes in Brazil.
Innovative Technology
The solar park features 516,000 bifacial solar modules and advanced tracker technology to optimize energy capture. It is also the first project by Atlas to utilize Trunk Cable technology, which allows for faster and more reliable installations. This innovative solution enhances safety and promotes a more organized and efficient wiring system.
Commitment to Renewable Energy
The Luiz Carlos Solar Park is an integral part of ArcelorMittal’s ambitious R$ 5.8 billion investment plan in renewable energy, which includes a hybrid wind-solar facility in Bahia. The company’s goal is to achieve 100% renewable energy for all its electricity consumption by 2030. As of 2024, ArcelorMittal realized a significant milestone with 61% of its energy sourced from self-generated renewable sources, and 39% from suppliers with clean energy offerings.
Furthermore, ArcelorMittal has been enhancing energy efficiency within its Brazilian operations, incorporating heat recovery systems and reusing gases from production processes. Notably, the Tubarão and Pecém plants have achieved self-sufficiency in electricity, substantially lessening their reliance on the national power grid.
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