Scatec inaugurates R$ 439 million solar plant in Minas Gerais

The Norwegian renewable energy multinational Scatec has officially inaugurated the Rio Urucuia solar plant in the Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais. The project represents an investment exceeding R$ 439 million and features an installed capacity of 142 megawatts (MW). This facility is Scatec’s third solar plant in Brazil and its first in the state of Minas Gerais, marking the company’s first fully owned enterprise of this type in the country.

The plant is expected to produce 321 GWh of clean electricity annually, potentially meeting the needs of approximately 120,000 homes while preventing 21,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. The infrastructure utilizes approximately 200,000 solar modules and advanced meteorological stations to monitor generation.

Separately, the Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais (Fiemg) has expressed concern regarding the federal government's decision to increase Bolsa Família benefits by 15.04%. Fiemg noted that while income transfer policies are important, the adjustment lacks transparency regarding funding sources and fiscal sustainability, warning of potential risks to public debt and interest rates.