Brazil's First Biometano Thermoelectric Plant Begins Commercial Operation

The Paulínia Verde thermoelectric plant in São Paulo state, Brazil's first to run on biometano, started commercial operation on 1 August under the 2026 Capacity Reserve Auction (LRCAP). Developed by Mercurio Partners with Orizon VR and Gera Energia, the 23.4 MW unit cost R$180 million, can supply about 300 000 people and avoids roughly 80 000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Founder and CEO Alexandre Americano said the launch strengthens the security and resilience of Brazil's power matrix.

Eneva announced the commercial start of its Azulão I thermoelectric plant in Silves, Amazonas, on 5 May. The 295 MW gas‑fired facility draws natural gas from Eneva’s own Amazon basin concessions and is backed by a 15‑year contract that guarantees R$278.3 million in fixed annual revenue. The project, approved by the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel), marks the first operation of the Azulão 950 complex, which will later include a second plant, Azulão II.